The Madonna of Humility

One of the most important Venetian artists of the early fifteenth century, Jacobello began his career working in an archaic style much indebted to Paolo Veneziano. After 1410, his output shifted toward a more developed, Late Gothic style. At this time he was probably engaged in the decoration of the Sala del Maggior Consiglio in the Doge's Palace in Venice alongside artists such as Pisanello, Gentile da Fabriano and possibly Michelino da Besozzo. Although Jacobello's post-1410 works remained firmly grounded in his Venetian roots, the courtly influence of these artists is reflected in his later paintings. Among Jacobello's most important paintings are the Madonna of Mercy of circa 1415 and his Triptych of Justice for the Magistrato del Proprio in the Doge's palace (both now in the Accademia, Venice), and a series of panels with scenes from the Life of Saint Lucy (Pinacoteca Comunale, Fermo). The present panel is remarkable for its delicate punchwork and for its well-preserved glazes, which create a sophisticated sense of volume over the Christ Child's drapery.

We are grateful to Everett Fahy for confirming the attribution on the basis of first-hand inspection. Mr. Fahy dates the painting to circa 1420.