Madonna and Child Enthroned (Maesta) 1285

This ‘Madonna and Child Enthroned’, also known as the ‘Maestà’, was made by Cimabue in the late 13th century using tempera and gold leaf on wood panel. Tempera involves mixing pigment with egg yolk, creating a fast-drying medium that allows for precise detail. You can see the incredible effects of this method in the Madonna’s garments, and the faces of the surrounding angels. The gold leaf, applied meticulously to the background and details, isn't just decorative. It represents divine light, elevating the scene to a spiritual realm. Creating a piece like this demanded immense skill and time. The wood panel had to be prepared, the design carefully laid out, and each layer of paint applied with precision. The use of expensive materials like gold and ultramarine pigment, derived from lapis lazuli, also speaks to the wealth of the patron who commissioned it. Considering the material choices and techniques used, ‘Maestà’ goes beyond just religious iconography; it’s a testament to the labor, skill, and economic forces that shaped artistic production during this period.