Madonna and Child c. late 1460s

Francesco Benaglio painted this Madonna and Child in the 15th century, using tempera on wood. The smooth, controlled brushwork speaks to a highly refined technique, one developed over years of apprenticeship and practice. Yet, the true interest of this painting lies in the texture and weight of the Madonna’s robe. The repeating circular motifs are painstakingly rendered, imbuing the fabric with a tactile quality. The garment’s intricate pattern highlights the artist's skill. It also speaks to the economic realities of the time: such luxury textiles were precious commodities, symbols of wealth and status traded across Europe. Benaglio has not only represented the fabric, but also the vast networks of labor and commerce that produced and distributed it. Considering the materials and the making, we can see how this painting invites us to reflect on the complex relationship between art, craft, and the wider world.