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Maesta, 1280-1285, by Cimabue (c. 1240-1302)
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Maesta, 1280-1285, by Cimabue (c. 1240-1302)
Cimabue (c.1240-1302). Florentine painter. Maesta, 1280-1285. Uffizi Gallery. Florence. Italy
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Media ID 14329936
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1280 1285 13th Abraham Angel Benvenuto Bless Blessing Christ Christianism Florence Florentine Gallery Gilding Gilt Hieratic Infancy Infant Isaiah Jeremiah Jesus Madonna Prophet Trinita Trono 14th Cenni Cimabue Gild Maesta Santa
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Maesta," or "Majesty," is a seminal work of art created by the Florentine painter Cimabue between 1280 and 1285, currently housed in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy. This masterpiece of the late 13th century showcases Cimabue's innovative approach to composition, perspective, and the use of gold leaf, which significantly influenced the development of Italian painting during the Middle Ages. The painting depicts the Virgin Mary, seated on a throne, holding the infant Jesus on her lap. Surrounded by a group of angels and Old Testament prophets, including Isaiah, Jeremiah, and David, Mary and Jesus are presented as the embodiment of divine grace and power. The Madonna's regal and hieratic demeanor, with her raised right hand in blessing, emphasizes her role as the Mother of God and the intercessor between humanity and the divine. The child Jesus, shown in the traditional pose of the Infant Savior, blesses the viewer with his left hand while resting his right hand on a book, symbolizing his role as the Word of God. The gold gilding on the throne, the halo surrounding the Madonna's head, and the richly decorated robes of the angels and prophets add to the work's grandeur and sacredness. Cimabue's innovative use of perspective, with Mary and Jesus positioned slightly above the angels and prophets, creates a sense of depth and three-dimensionality, enhancing the painting's overall impact. The Odegitria, or "Virgin Hodegetria," iconographic tradition, which portrays Mary as the guide or "hodos" to the viewer, is evident in this work, further emphasizing the role of the Madonna as a spiritual guide and protector. This masterpiece, a testament to Cimabue's artistic genius and the evolving nature of Christian art during the Middle Ages, continues to captivate and inspire viewers with its intricate details, rich symbolism, and profound spiritual significance.
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