GHIRLANDAIO, Domenico
(b. 1449, Firenze, d. 1494, Firenze)

Adoration of the Child

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Tempera on wood, diameter 90 cm
Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, Milan

This tondo was attributed to Domenico Ghirlandaio or his workshop, as some details in it are derived from his successful Adoration of the Shepherds in the Sassetti Chapel. The Madonna, for example, is a mirror image. The ox and ass, together with their marble crib, have been moved to the edge of the picture. Joseph and the Christ Child at the front edge of the picture are adapted to the shape of the frame.The child's unusual posture is reminiscent of classical depictions of river gods.

It is likely that Ghirlandaio's workshop produced an entire series of such paintings, only a few of which have survived.




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