Lot number 3513 - Auction 141
MADONNA MIT DEM KINDE

ROMAN-BYZANTINE SCHOOL OF THE 13TH CENTURY MADONNA WITH THE CHILD Tempera on chalk ground on wooden panel, punched nimbuses, gold heightened robes. 60.5 x 40 cm. Part. old rest. Old retouching, min. loss of colour. The painting of the Virgin and Child offered here shows a close compositional relationship to the Madonna Nicopeia in the Basilica of San Marco in Venice, which was subsequently taken up and interpreted in Italian painting following its theft from Constantinople in 1204. The Madonna Nicopeia is one of the most famous and venerated icons in the Basilica of San Marco in Venice. This Byzantine icon is not only an important religious work of art, but also a symbol of power and protection that is closely linked to the history and self-image of the city of Venice. The icon of the Madonna Nicopeia shows the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus on her lap. Both figures are depicted frontally and Mary is holding the child with a tender yet firm gesture. The icon is painted in the traditional Byzantine style, which is characterised by a strict, formal composition and a deep spiritual expressiveness. Mary and the Child are depicted in magnificent golden robes, which emphasise the divine splendour and holiness of the figures. The Madonna Nicopeia originally comes from Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. The name "Nicopeia" is derived from the Greek word "Nikopoios", which means "bringing victory". The icon was regarded as the patron saint of emperors in the Byzantine Empire and was often carried in solemn processions to ask for the blessing of the Mother of God for military endeavours. After the fourth crusade in 1204, during which the crusaders conquered and plundered Constantinople, the icon was brought to Venice by Venetian troops as spoils of war. Since then, it has been kept in St Mark's Basilica, where it is venerated as a precious and powerful relic. For the Venetians, the Madonna Nicopeia became a symbol of divine protection and the invincibility of the city. Today, the icon is located in the south-east corner of the basilica, in a magnificent chapel created especially for its preservation. The icon is adorned with precious stones, pearls and gold jewellery, which underlines its importance and the high degree of veneration it is held in. The Madonna Nicopeia is not only an outstanding example of Byzantine art, but also a deeply venerated object of Marian devotion. Its history reflects the close ties between Venice and the Byzantine Empire and epitomises the spiritual and cultural heritage that has linked these two worlds for centuries. To this day, the icon attracts pilgrims and art lovers from all over the world, who see it as both a religious and historical testimony of great importance. (Open AI ChatGPT 2024, reply to user). Provenance: International private collection. Auction Finarte Milan, 04.06.2008, lot 204 (EUR 254.200.-), there as Roman master, active around 1300 (proof of purchase available).