Madonna and Child before a Niche

after Donatello

National Gallery of Art

The sculpture depicts a woman holding a small child. The child is held to the woman’s chest, and their faces touch. The woman is wearing a flowing, draped garment with a hood, while the child is nude. They both have halos behind their heads. The sculpture is a relief made from a bronze-like material with hints of darker brown patina. The people are shown with their bodies facing us, although the woman has her face turned to the left, towards the child. Behind the pair is a small area showing some columns and scalloped details. The sculpture has an arched top with a small hole in it, perhaps for hanging.