Follower of Neri di Bicci (Italian, 1418-1492) Follower of Neri di Bicci (Italian, 1418-1492) Madonna and Child enthroned egg tempera on panel with later oil additions, gilding and punchwork to the decorated edge and halo, arched top 88 x 62cm, within an integral frame Neri di Bicci was a Florentine artist, active in the second half of the 15th century. The third generation of artist in his family, he was very successful and prolific, running a large studio. His works were often painted on a gold ground as in the present work and have their origins in the work of the 14th century Florentine, Giotto. He was referred to by the great art historian of the Italian Renaissance, Giorgio Vasari, as the last of the Giottoesque painters. His work retained lots of 14th century decorative features, yet also integrated more naturalistic elements to his figures, as was being developed by contemporaries such as Fra Angelico and Fra Filippo Lippi. He left meticulous records of his work and business, ‘Le Ricordanze’, which have provided a big insight into art practices of the 15th century and detailing materials, commissions, patrons and frames. He had many pupils and his studio is recorded as creating over 50 Madonna and Child paintings. The present work appears to be contemporary with the artist and is based on ‘Madonna and Child Enthroned’, Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest. Condition Report: The Panel appears to be 15th century. There are later additions to the painting in oils, notably the blue and brown areas of the baldachin, and the clothes of the Virgin and child. Original paintwork is visible in parts, however, including the Hands. The gilding generally has age but may have been re-gilded in places.