Source Photos

Madonna

This image captures a beautiful and evocative sculpture of a Madonna in a church in Montepulciano. I was struck by the graphic and violent representation of her pain, as well as the beautiful craftsmanship of the sculpture. The paint on the face, the gilding, and the sculptural details were captivating. I tried to emphasize these features in the image by composing the figure to the right, using the swords and the line of the wall as compositional elements.

 Madonna
Nikon D2H
1/30 sec, f/4.5
ISO 640
Focal length 135mm

Assumption of the Virgin

This image shows a small corner of a massive altar piece titled The Assumption of the Virgin. This altarpiece from the cathedral in Montepulciano was painted by Sienese master Taddeo di Bartolo from 1398 to 1401. It was named for a popular Sienese festival, which originated when the hospital, glutted with requests from plague victims, purchased what was supposed to be a piece of the virgin's girdle which she let fall as she ascended into heaven. This section shows a self-portrait of the artist in the lower-right corner, looking straight at the viewer with a cocked eyebrow.

 Assumption of the Virgin
Nikon D2H
1/160 sec, f/4.5
Focal length 75mm