Madonna della Misericordia (1473) by Bartolomeo Vivarini (1432–1499)
MAgnificaT: THE ART ESSAY OF THE MONTH
The Venetian Church of Santa Maria Formosa (Mary the Beautiful) is one of eight churches said to be established by Saint Magnus, an 8th-century Bishop of Milan, after he experienced a personal vision of the Virgin. This church, near the Rialto Bridge, was rebuilt in the 15th century by the prolific Venetian Renaissance architect Mauro Codussi. The most exceptional chapel of this richly adorned parish church is located to the left of the sanctuary—the Chapel of the Conception. In 1473, the master Venetian painter Bartolomeo Vivarini was chosen to create its altarpiece. By this time, Vivarini was widely sought after for church commissions; his workshop was one of the most active in Venice and his reputation equal to that of Bellini. He situated three panels within sumptuous marble framing. The viewer will notice in all three panels that the beautifully painted garments have sharp …More