european & american art

Madonna and Child with Saints, Bernardo Zenale

This painting on wood has been attributed to many artists over the years—including Leonardo da Vinci—but is now believed to be the work of the northern Italian painter Bernardo Zenale.

In the center, the Madonna holds the infant Jesus. She is flanked by St. Jerome (on the right, accompanied by his lion) and St. Ambrose (on the left, kneeling atop a fallen warrior). Joseph stands behinds Jerome. The treatment of the figures and drapery owes much to Leonardo, but instead of his subdued palette, Zenale has opted for more vivid colors.

For more information about this artwork, including lesson plans for teachers and their students, visit our Creativity Resource website.

Spanish Colonial Art