Madonna with Child “Our Lady of the Milk”

Polychrome stucco relief

area of Benedetto da Maiano

Florence, 16th century

66 x 18 x 43cm


From the 15th century, among the most important and most requested sculptors, the pleasure of modeling terracotta and stucco for the production of works of sacred art developed in Florence, often directed to commissions and private use.

The birth therefore of artefacts of high aesthetic, historical and symbolic value, which had shields on the base; on which the coats of arms of the purchasing families were then painted.

Part of this production is the beautiful Madonna del Latte, in polychrome stucco, presented here.


A splendid Madonna and Child rests on a linear base, slightly arched on the front and ending with two shields (ready to receive the arms of the buyers).

The same is wrapped in a blue cloak, edged in gold and moved in elegant drapery.

Mary holds the Child Jesus in her lap, softly seated on a cushion.

Jesus, whose face is surrounded by a golden halo, is represented with a sprig of coral around his neck (amulet for children and represents, with its red colour, the blood of Christ) and is caught while, with a serene expression, he looks towards the viewer.

The Madonna with her face surrounded by a halo and wrapped in a white veil, with her right hand holds the Child to her with maternal delicacy, and with her left she offers him her breast.

Both faces reveal great serenity and loving sweetness.

The work, very "emotional", is of Florentine production; attributable to Benedetto da Maiano and his circle (see Madonna del Latte in the Museum of Palazzo Pretorio in Prato)