Restored in 2019 with funding from Mel Oldenburg.

This small devotional painting depicting the Virgin and Child is a fine example of the work of Sienese artist Stefano di Giovanni, called Sassetta. This exquisite panel painting now finds its place within the distinguished collection of the Palazzo Cini Gallery. Situated in the sestiere of Dorsoduro, this gallery was originally the residence of Vittorio Cini (1887-1977) and presently serves as the home to the family’s exceptional collection of artworks, spanning from the Renaissance period and beyond.

The work is referred to as the Madonna of Humility, an iconographic motif originally developed by Sienese painter Simone Martini during his stay in Avignon, France. Martini’s model quickly gained immense popularity among the so-called International Gothic painters, and by the mid-14th century, it had spread to the most significant cities across Europe, including Siena. In Sassetta’s rendition of the theme, the Virgin Mary is depicted sitting on the floor, cradling the Christ Child in her arms. Despite her modest posture, the gilded and intricately decorated background, the elaborate Anatolian carpet, and the cushion beneath her introduce elements of luxury into the composition. Given the small dimensions of this artwork and its intimate nature, it is probable that it served as a visual aid for private devotion within a domestic setting.

Sassetta is renowned for his various depictions of the Madonna of Humility, some of which stand out, such as the panel painting housed at The Frick Pittsburgh (ca. 1438), and those displayed at the National Gallery in Washington (ca. 1435-1440) and the Metropolitan Museum in New York (ca. 1445-1450). When we compare the Cini Madonna to these examples, it suggests a likely date for the painting around 1530.

During the restoration campaign, conservator Claudia Vittori removed darkened layers of varnish and overpainting, revealing the delicate contours and intricate details of Sassetta’s exquisite work.

For select projects, conservation dossiers in Italian containing limited textual and photographic documentation may be available for consultation by appointment at the Venice office of Save Venice and the Rosand Library & Study Center. For inquiries, please contact us at venice@savevenice.org.

Stefano di Giovanni, called Sassetta (ca. 1400 – 1450)
Madonna of Humility
ca. 1430, tempera on panel
79,2 x 46 cm

Palazzo Cini Gallery

Bacchi, Andrea and Andrea De Marchi, eds. La Galleria di Palazzo Cini. Dipinti, sculture, oggetti d’arte. Venice: Marsilio, 2016