|
In the 16th century, this Madonna was transferred from the 14th-century church of Santa Maria della Spina to its present position at the beginning of Borgo arcades, to enable the people of Pisa to pray for protection from the Grand Duke's ministers unfair government. By disposition of Archbishop Dal Pozzo, prayers were to be recited to the sound of the city's church bells.
The carving of the Madonna col Bambino was restored in the mid-1950s. On that occasion, several layers of paint were removed revealing the original colours only on Madonna's face and some gilding, probably once much more extensive.
The carving is thought to be a late work of Nino Pisano, because of the flowing lines of the drapery, that recall Simone Martini's paintings, and hints of French art, similar to the Annunciation in the church of Santa Caterina.
The picture shows the 16th-century wood tabernacle with a copy of the Madonna at the beginning of Borgo arcades. The original of the Madonna is now preserved in the Museo Nazionale di San Matteo, Pisa.
| 
