PSEUDO PIER FRANCESCO FIORENTINO
Description
Virgin and Child, mid 15th c.
Tempera on panel, 39 1/2 x 29 3/4 x 5 1/2"
The inscriptions on the backs of paintings can be deceptive. The handwritten notation in ink on the verso of this painting cites the date, 1460, and attributes the painting to Andrea Verrocchio. The inscription further indicates that Andrea Verrocchio (1435-1488) was the master of Pietro Perugino (1446-1523) in Florence, who himself was the master of Raphael (1483-1520). We know now, however, that Raphael entered Perugino’s studio about thirty-five years after 1460. Therefore, the commentary here was added some time after the painting was made. The exposed worm tunnels on the sides support this conclusion as well because they are evidence that the panel was thinned, and a layer of gesso and paint were added at the same time as the inscription. Inclusion of this inscription appears to be an attempt to construct a more favorable artistic lineage for the painting.
Date
Creator
PSEUDO PIER FRANCESCO FIORENTINO
b. Italy, Florence mid 15th C.
Source
The Sedgwick Collection of Old Master Paintings
Identifier
1960.5