19-Bellini-Madonna

Nicholas Lochoff (d.1948) after

Giovanni Bellini (Venetian, c.1430-I516)
MADONNA AND CHILD WITH SAINTS

Original (1488) in the sacristy of Sta. Maria del Frari, Venice,Oil on panel

The original altarpiece is still installed in the church for which it was painted. The Madonna and Child sit on a throne whose base is inscribed with Bellini's name and the painting's date. In the adjoining panels are the four Latin Church Fathers: Saints Gregory, Augustine, Ambrose, and Jerome. The reproduction of the original frame, which documents reveal was made by woodworker Jacopo da Faenza, helps create the shrine like effect characteristic of Bellini's original altarpiece. The three-dimensional pilasters of the wooden frame echo the painted pilasters in Bellini's illusion and unite the space of the viewer to that of the holy figures.