Essay Art 1.docx - Victor Feliciano 1377097 Paper...

Victor Feliciano (1377097)
Paper Assignment 1
Madonna and Child of the Goldfinch and Virgin and Child with a Donor
University of Houston
ARTH 1381 TTR 10:00-11:30
Hugh Rodney Nevitt
I pledge that in the following paper, I have not represented as my own work, the work of another
writer without appropriately acknowledging the source.
Victor Feliciano (1377097)

The Child of the Straus Madonna and Virgin and Child with a Donor are two artworks
that depict the same concept, but are portrayed during different time periods with different styles
of art. They each have multiple key points that make them stand out in their own respective art
styles, while still allowing the viewer to connect with the works of art. The symbolism that is
expressed in both, closely ties to the importance of the religious figures during the separate time
periods. By analyzing the two artworks Madonna and Child of the Goldfinch and Virgin and
Child with a Donor including their respective iconography, visuals and characteristics it can
show how the art styles of the paintings and their respective views on religion shifted from one
time period to another. This shift being from a higher importance of religious figures to one that
is more focused on philosophy and science.
Madonna and Child of the Goldfinch (early 15 th century) was painted by Master of the
Straus Madonna who was an anonymous painter from the city of Florence, Italy. The artist
received his name from the family who donated the image to the museum of Fine Art in Houston,
which was the Straus family. It was originally located in Florence, Italy and is now located in
Room 201, Isla and rfThomas R. Reckling III Gallery, Beck Building.
1
Master of the Straus was
“distinguished for his traditional patterning of the gold ground, striking combinations of rich
colors, and skill in rendering the diaphanous drapery”.
2
The piece Madonna and Child of the
Goldfinch was part of a new trend of artworks which started to shift towards a new three-
dimensional natural aspect in which the figures had been portrayed more volumetric and
occupied space. It’s take on the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus is portrayed in tempera and gold leaf
1 “The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston,” Welcome to Teaching and Learning Through Art, n.d.,
.
2 “Virgin and Child - Master of the Straus Madonna - Google Arts & Culture,” Google (Google), accessed October
13, 2020, -
madonna/FgGzt7VOBWX5eQ?hl=en.
1

painting on wood. The ornamental features are seen in all aspects of the painting. Including the
fine lines of the Virgin’s hair, the intricate design in the nimbus and the ornamental background
which are features of the late gothic period, which characterizes the shift in late medieval style.