Historical
Oriental Rugs & Carpets
in Medieval European Paintings
Main Page
|
|
The Virgin and Child Enthroned
about 1475-85
NG3911. Mond Bequest, 1924. The National Gallery, London. Oil on panel.
Signed: OPVS. GENTILIS. BELLINI. VENETI. EQVITIS.
by Gentile Bellini (died in 1507)
The Virgin Mary is shown on an inlaid marble throne,
with an Anatolian or a Caucasian prayer rug at her feet. The Christ Child holds a pomegranate, a
symbol of the Passion.
The form of the signature, meaning Gentile Bellini, Knight of Venice, indicates
that the picture cannot be from before 1469, when Gentile Bellini was knighted.
The decorative treatment and some details, such as the tiny trees in the Gothic
tradition, would suggest a fairly early date.
Oil on wood
121.9 x 82.6 cm.
A Turkish Prayer rug, Anatolia, late 15th to early 16th century, with
"re-entrant" keyhole motif.
