Virgin And Child - Tempera On Wood - Venice 16th Century - Sansovino

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 trackable service. Delivery will be insured to ensure receipt in perfect condition.

Sansovino frames are a distinct type of ornamental frame named after the Italian architect and sculptor Jacopo Sansovino (1486-1570), although these frames were not directly designed by him. They are characteristic of the Italian Renaissance period, particularly in the 16th century, and are closely associated with Venetian art.
Historical Context
Jacopo Sansovino, originally from 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 the rich ornamental tradition of Venice during the Renaissance. These frames were often used to surround religious paintings and portraits, showcasing the work while creating a visual connection to the surrounding architecture. They embody the decorative exuberance and visual richness that characterized Venetian art and architecture of this 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 garlands of fruit, 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 forms, with elements that appear to intertwine and flourish 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 connection between the frames and architecture, a reflection of Sansovino's work as an architect.
Influence and Legacy
The Sansovino style has had a lasting influence on the history of framing. Although strongly associated with Venice and the Italian Renaissance, the style spread throughout Europe, particularly to Spain and France, where local variations were developed. Today, Sansovino frames are prized for their beauty and exceptional craftsmanship and are often held in museums or collected as works of art in their own right.

In short, Sansovino frames are symbols of Italian Renaissance craftsmanship excellence, combining art, architecture and functionality in a sumptuous expression of the wealth and aesthetic taste of the period.

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