Madonna del Ceppo - Filippo Lippi

This tempera on panel painting by Filippo Lippi, 'Madonna del Ceppo', depicts the Virgin Mary enthroned with the Christ Child, surrounded by saints and donors, set against a gold background.

Filippo Lippi (1406-1469) was an Italian painter of the Early Renaissance. His work includes frescoes, panel paintings, and altarpieces, often characterised by their delicate figures, use of colour, and attention to detail. Lippi's life was as colourful as his paintings; he was a Carmelite friar who eloped with a nun, Lucrezia Buti, who later became his wife. Their son, Filippino Lippi, also became a well-regarded painter. Lippi's patrons included the Medici family, and his influence can be seen in the work of later artists such as Botticelli. 'Madonna del Ceppo' depicts the Virgin Mary enthroned with the Christ Child, surrounded by saints and donors. The composition is set against a gold background, typical of the period, which lends a sense of otherworldliness. Mary is depicted as a regal figure, wearing a crown and a flowing robe. The Christ Child is held tenderly in her arms. To either side of the Virgin are standing saints, each with their own attributes. Kneeling at the base of the throne are the donors, who are depicted in smaller scale to indicate their lower status. The painting is characterised by its use of colour, with the reds, blues, and golds creating a sense of richness and depth. The figures are rendered with a delicate touch, and their expressions are serene and contemplative.