Virgin Of Caresses - Tempera On Wood - 16th Century

Description of the work:
We present to you a rare and exceptional piece: a 16th century "Virgin of the Caresses", masterfully painted in tempera on a wooden panel. This masterpiece depicts the Virgin Mary in a moving scene, known as "of the caresses" (or "Glykophiloussa"), an iconography that illustrates maternal tenderness.
The Virgin, whose right hand holds a Gothic icon of the Crowned Virgin, is surrounded by a carved wooden frame, celebrating the glory of Mary. A particularly interesting detail of this work is the gaze of the Child Jesus, which is turned outwards, perhaps towards a donor, rather than towards his mother, thus adding a unique narrative dimension.
This painting, executed on a wooden panel, is surrounded by a finely carved Sansovino frame. This later frame is decorated with angelic faces, floral motifs and intricate architectural details, characteristic of the Renaissance period.

Technique: Tempera on wood
Frame: Carved wood, ornamented, Sansovino style
Condition: Good general condition. Traces of old wood-eating attacks, treated with care, uninhabited panel.
Dimensions:
Framed: 59.5 x 52 cm
Panel: 45.7 x 36.9 cm
Conservation condition:
The work is in good condition, with minor signs of wear consistent with its age.

Additional information:
This work, due to its rarity and historical importance, is a choice acquisition for any collector of sacred art or antiques. It perfectly embodies the devotional art of the 16th century, with a sensitivity that remains timeless.
Origin and Provenance:
This work comes from a private collection and testifies to the artistic expertise of the Renaissance. The wooden frame, richly decorated, is representative of the Sansovino frames, which were prized for their ornamentation and elegance.
Shipping:
The artwork will be carefully packaged and shipped via a secure tracked service. Delivery will be insured to guarantee receipt in perfect condition.
Price: the asking price of €4,900 is designed to match the market as closely as possible, and will not be negotiable, however, payment in three or four installments is possible, either by purchasing online via Paypal, which will offer you a 4-times payment with no fees by credit card, or in 3 or 4 checks of identical amounts and cashable monthly.

Sansovino frames are a distinct type of ornamental frame that takes its name from the Italian architect and sculptor Jacopo Sansovino (1486-1570), although these frames were not directly created by him. They are characteristic of the Italian Renaissance period, particularly in the 16th century, and are closely associated with Venetian art.
Historical Background
Jacopo Sansovino, a native of Florence, played a crucial role in introducing and spreading the Renaissance style to Venice, where he spent much of his career. Although the so-called "Sansovino" frames were not designed by him, their style reflects the influence of his architectural and decorative work.
The Sansovino frame is a product of Venice's rich ornamental tradition during the Renaissance. These frames were often used to surround religious paintings and portraits, showcasing the work while creating a visual connection with the surrounding architecture. They embody the decorative exuberance and visual richness that characterized Venetian art and architecture of the period.
Sansovino Frame Characteristics
Sansovino frames are famous for their elaborate ornamentation and Baroque style. Some of their main characteristics include:
Sculptural Decoration: These frames are richly carved with intricate and often gilded designs. Motifs include fruit garlands, acanthus leaves, mascarons (grotesque faces), putti (cherubs), and scrolls. These elements are often inspired by nature, classical antiquity, and mythology.
Asymmetrical Forms and Dynamism: Unlike simpler, symmetrical frames, Sansovino frames often feature irregular, asymmetrical shapes, with elements that appear to intertwine and bloom dynamically. This dynamism adds a sense of movement and vitality to the frame.
Architectural Influences: Sansovino frames often draw inspiration from Renaissance architectural elements, such as pediments, twisted columns, and balusters. These influences emphasize the frames' connection to architecture, a reflection of Sansovino's work as an architect.
Usage and Importance
Sansovino frames were used to frame valuable works of art, including religious paintings, portraits of notables, and mythological scenes. They were also sometimes used to frame mirrors in the palaces of the