Madonna and Child with Saints and Donors

Probably Gasparo Cairano

National Gallery of Art

The sculpture depicts a central seated figure with a child on their lap, surrounded by various standing and kneeling figures on either side. The central figure is dressed in a draped garment, and holding a small child as they sit on a throne-like chair. The figures surrounding this central pair are in various poses, some holding books, others with hands in a gesture of discussion or holding their attire, and two figures at the forefront are kneeling. The piece is carved from a pale colored material, exhibiting fine details in the folds of clothing and facial features. The sculpture has a relief style with multiple figures conveying a narrative scene, crafted with meticulous attention to period attire and accoutrements.