15th-Century Icon – Modern Study Replica
This tempera painting, created in the 20th century, is a study replica of a typical Italian Renaissance or late Medieval Madonna and Child enthroned, flanked by two angels. The work is set in a golden arched frame, a format commonly seen in 14th–15th century Italian panel paintings, especially within the Florentine and Sienese schools. Artists such as Fra Angelico (early 15th c., Florence), Lorenzo Monaco (bridging the Gothic and Renaissance styles), Bicci di Lorenzo, and other workshop painters often produced similar devotional panels with gilded backgrounds.
Technical Photography
- UVF (Ultraviolet Fluorescence): Reveals a number of retouches that appear completely dark, consistent with the relatively recent materials used in restoration.
UVR (Reflected Ultraviolet): The same retouches are visible here but appear bright, as they reflect more UV light.
IR (Infrared): Shows the underdrawing, a fundamental stage in the painting process of the time. The copyist artist carefully reproduced not only the look of the original but also its traditional techniques, beginning with a white preparatory layer and a soft carbon-pencil drawing.
IRF (Infrared Fluorescence): Perhaps the most revealing image, it highlights the presence of modern cadmium yellow used for some of the highlights.
