Madonna of the Book Value Guide

This mid-century Italian plaque recreates Sandro Botticelli's 1480 masterpiece, capturing the intimate Renaissance scene of the Virgin Mary and infant Jesus. Produced between 1950 and 1970, these pieces represent a significant era of Italian decorative arts where classical museum works were made accessible for home devotion.

What Is Madonna of the Book Worth?

The typical price range for Madonna of the Book is $75 - $120 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the gesso and paint, as these materials are prone to cracking or 'craquelure' over time.
• The quality and preservation of the metal leaf gilding, which significantly enhances the plaque's visual appeal.
• Size and complexity of the wooden frame or mounting, with larger or more ornate versions commanding higher prices.
• Authenticity of the mid-century provenance, specifically pieces originating from noted Italian workshops of the 1950s-1970s.

How to Identify Madonna of the Book?

• Check for a multi-layered construction featuring a wooden base topped with gesso and hand-painted details.
• Look for the presence of metal leaf accents, often used to simulate the gold leaf found in the original 15th-century painting.
• Examine the reverse side for 'Made in Italy' stamps or vintage paper labels typical of mid-20th-century exports.
• Identify the specific 'Madonna del Libro' iconography, including the open book and the Christ child holding three nails and a crown of thorns.

History of Madonna of the Book

Sandro Botticelli's 'Madonna of the Book' is a renowned Renaissance painting, celebrated for its tender depiction of the Virgin Mary and infant Jesus. The original, created around 1480-1481, is housed in the Poldi Pezzoli Museum in Milan. This plaque is a testament to the enduring appeal of Botticelli's artistry and the desire to bring classical beauty into homes through various reproductions.