The Madonna of Humility by Lippo di Dalmasio, c1390
Single Card
Publisher: Portfolio
Code: 5030453042154
Inside: Blank
Size: 16cm x 16cm

The tender scene of maternal love is raised beyond the purely earthly through the inclusion of the planets. The semi-circle of real gold leaf behind the figures represents the sun; Lippo has scored the soft metal to create its rays. The Virgin's halo is circled with 12 stars and she has at her feet a silver crescent moon. The stars and planets recalls the Woman of the Apocalypse, mentioned in the New Testament as, 'clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of 12 stars.' (Rev 12:1)