Madonna and Child with Angels Madonna and Child with Angels Gentile da Fabriano Fresco Orvieto, Cathedral 1425

Gentile da Fabriano painted this fresco of the Madonna and Child with Angels in Orvieto Cathedral. The composition is elegantly structured, with the figures arranged in a harmonious balance within the arched frame. The fresco technique lends a textured surface, enriching the visual experience with a tactile quality. The use of colour and form plays a crucial role here. Observe how the Virgin’s cloak, rendered in deep blues and greens, contrasts with the golden hues surrounding her and the Child. This juxtaposition not only draws our eye to the central figures but also creates a symbolic interplay between the earthly and the divine. The interplay of the figures is further enhanced by the semiotic system, which engages with cultural codes of the time. The Madonna's serene expression and gentle posture embody the ideal of maternal love, reflecting the era’s values and beliefs. This work serves as a cultural artifact but as an exercise in visual language and ideological expression.