Giotto's Madonna & Child Mug- Beautifully Crafted Ceramic for Coffee, Tea, or Art Appreciation – A Great Gift for Collectors

Art Historical Introduction

Giotto and the Birth of the Renaissance
Giotto di Bondone (ca. 1265–1337) transformed the art of his time, bridging the medieval and Renaissance worlds. His revolutionary ability to depict human emotions and natural movement liberated art from the rigid constraints of Byzantine tradition. His masterpiece, Madonna and Child, also known as the Goldman Madonna, exemplifies this new artistic vision. It portrays Mary as both a loving mother and a spiritual symbol of the Church, marking a turning point in the evolution of sacred art.

The original painting, executed in tempera on poplar wood, measures 85.4 × 61.8 cm for the painted surface and 87.7 × 63.2 × 1.3 cm overall. Its vivid depiction and intricate details establish it as an artistic and spiritual landmark of its era.

Stylistic Features
The Madonna and Child showcases Giotto’s mastery in blending humanity with spirituality. The sculptural modeling of the figures, the delicate color transitions, and the lifelike drapery folds create a striking three-dimensional effect. The richly adorned gold background, with intricate pseudo-Kufic patterns, enhances the painting's spiritual resonance. Particularly notable is the tender interaction between Mary and the Christ Child, introducing an intimate and human dimension to sacred art.

Symbolism and Meaning
The composition of Madonna and Child is rich in symbolism and emotional depth. Mary holds a rose in her right hand, symbolizing her as the "Rose of Sharon," an allegorical representation of the Church and the bride of Christ. The Christ Child, playfully reaching for her finger, conveys both his innocence and his future role as the sacrificial Lamb of God. This interplay of tenderness and profound religious symbolism solidifies the work as one of the most significant creations of its time.

Provenance: The Journey of a Masterpiece
The Goldman Madonna has a remarkable history. Likely the central panel of a polyptych altar, it was possibly created for the Church of Santa Croce in Florence. Other panels, such as depictions of Saint John and Saint Lawrence, now reside in separate collections and may have been part of the same ensemble.

Rediscovered in the 20th century, the painting entered the collection of Henry Goldman, a renowned New York banker and art collector. Esteemed art historians like Bernard Berenson and Roberto Longhi later confirmed its attribution to Giotto. Following Goldman’s death, the Samuel H. Kress Foundation acquired the piece and subsequently donated it to the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., where it remains a celebrated masterpiece today.

The provenance of the Goldman Madonna underscores its dual importance: as a cornerstone of Renaissance art and as a testament to the enduring appreciation and scholarship surrounding Giotto’s legacy.

Dr. Walther Fuchs

Product Details:

• Material: High-quality ceramic; 10 oz version crafted from premium porcelain.
• Capacity Options: 10 oz (porcelain), 11 oz (standard with colored interior, rim, and handle), 15 oz, 17 oz.
• Care: Dishwasher and microwave safe.
• Safety: Lead-free and BPA-free.
• Design: © tazzarte.com – Exclusive artwork integration.

Right Side View

• • Artist: Giotto, Title: Madonna and Child, c. 1310/1315.
  • Medium: Tempera on poplar panel. Dimensions: Painted surface 85.4 × 61.8 cm (33 5/8 × 24 5/16 in.), overall (including added strips) 87.7 × 63.2 × 1.3 cm (34 1/2 × 24 7/8 × 1/2 in.), framed 128.3 × 72.1 × 5.1 cm (50 1/2 × 28 3/8 × 2 in.).
  • Location: National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. Collection: Samuel H. Kress Collection, acquired in 1939.
  • Copyright Status: CC0 - Public Domain.
  • Branding: The "Tazzarte" trademark and quality seal are discreetly displayed in small print on this side.

Left Side View

• • Artist: Giotto (–1337)
  • Title: Madonna and Child, c. 1310/1315. Medium: Tempera on poplar panel.
  • Dimensions: Painted surface 85.4 × 61.8 cm (33 5/8 × 24 5/16 in.), overall (including added strips) 87.7 × 63.2 × 1.3 cm (34 1/2 × 24 7/8 × 1/2 in.), framed 128.3 × 72.1 × 5.1 cm (50 1/2 × 28 3/8 × 2 in.).
  • Location: National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. Collection: Samuel H. Kress Collection, acquired in 1939.
  • Copyright Status: CC0 - Public Domain.

Product Disclaimer:
This mug features a public domain image of Madonna and Child by Giotto di Bondone, celebrating the artist’s enduring legacy. The artwork is available under Open Access and falls within the public domain, ensuring it is free from copyright restrictions. The inclusion of the image and mention of Giotto’s name are intended solely for identification and historical context. This product is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected with the National Gallery of Art or any other institution. All references to the artwork and its provenance are for informational purposes only, and all trademark rights are fully acknowledged and respected.