Domenico Rosselli

DOMENICO DI GIOVANNI DI BARTOLOMEO ROSSELLI (Pistoia, 1439- Fossombrone, 1497).
"Madonna and Child".
Bas-relief in polychrome and gilded stucco.
Related literature: Eleonora Beeli, Madonne Bardini. I rilievi mariani del secondo Quattrocento fiorentino, Edition Antonella Nesi, Museo Stefano Bardini, 2017, note VI.2, p.186.
Measurements: 91.7 x 58.5 cm.

Domenico Rosselli's sculptural work was influenced by the Florentines Desiderio da Settignano (1429/1432-64) and Antonio Rossellino (1427/1428-79). Settignano's influence is evident in this exquisitely modeled relief, inspired by a terracotta bas-relief by Settignano, now in the Accademia delle Arti del Disegno (Academy of the Art of Drawing). The Virgin, in frontal position and vivid face, wrapped in a mantle of light folds, holds the Child standing. Mary's hand, with long, slender fingers, extends the index finger and the heart to indicate the dual nature of Christ. The Child Jesus is depicted half-naked. His countenance is expressive and the displays of maternal and filial affection are simple and natural. The terracotta came from a tabernacle located on the road from Brucianesi to S. Maria a Lamole. The compositional scheme, in turn, is based on that of the Madonna and Child of the Bargello and related models by Andrea della Robbia. This melting pot of Quattrocento influences is reflected in this magnificent relief by Domenino Rosselli, in which the simplicity of the gestures, the harmony of the faces and the delicacy of the drapery stand out.

Three different autograph versions by Rosselli passed through the hands of the collector Stefano Bardini, four others are catalogued, two of them preserved in public collections. There remain, therefore, two autograph versions to be discovered. Our copy, of great quality, could be part of this corpus.

Domenico Rosselli was an Italian sculptor, essentially trained in Florence, probably in the workshop of Antonio Rossellino, although during his early years he worked in Bologna. He is best known for his work on many of the friezes, sculpted doors and decorative fireplaces in the Ducal Palace of Urbino, in particular the Angel Fireplace, depicting the angels of the Way, in the Sala degli Angeli. Some authors have also identified him as the Master of the Marble Madonnas. After working in Bologna, Italy, in 1460, and in Pisa two years later, Domenico moved to Florence, but left the city for the Marche region twelve years later. Rosselli is also remembered for but reliefs of the Madonna, including the one in Budapest.