Madonna and Child with Angels is the central panel of the large multi-paneled
altarpiece produced by
Masaccio for the chapel of
Saint Julian in the church of
Santa Maria del Carmine in
Pisa, Italy. The panel, which is badly damaged and smaller than its original size, was produced in collaboration with Masaccio's brother
Giovanni and with
Andrea di Giusto in 1426. It depicts six figures: the
Madonna, Child, and four angels. The Madonna is the centre figure and is larger than any of the others to signify her importance.
Christ sits on her knees, eating grapes offered to him by his mother. The grapes represent the wine which was drunk at the
Last Supper, symbolising Christ's blood.
Madonna and Child with Angels is now in the collection of the
National Gallery in London.
Paiting: Masaccio