Volta (Pontormo, 1515) Et oliemalerie, malet i hånden kun til dig

Identification of the Religious Work

Volta is a religious painting executed by the Florentine Mannerist Pontormo. Created in 1515, the work originates from the Italian tradition of the early sixteenth century.

The piece belongs to the genre of religious art, specifically utilizing the fresco medium. It represents a significant example of the stylistic transition occurring in Italy during this period.

Visual Composition and Subject Matter

Executed as a fresco, the composition centers on a woman cradling an infant. The iconography identifies the woman as the Virgin Mary and the child as Jesus. This sacred interaction is set against a wall, creating a sense of immediate, devotional presence. The arrangement of figures suggests a quiet, spiritual moment captured within a larger, populated scene.

The background contains several additional figures that add depth to the sacred encounter. Among these, one figure is depicted holding a bow, introducing a subtle, perhaps symbolic, element to the surrounding assembly. Gold accents are integrated into the work, providing a sense of luxury and highlighting the importance of the central figures through light and material contrast.

Technical Details and Dimensions

Executed in the Mannerism style of the Late Renaissance, this work originated in Italy. The artist utilized the fresco technique to apply pigment directly onto the wall surface, a method that integrates the imagery into the very architecture of the site. This medium requires rapid, precise application to ensure the colors bond permanently with the drying plaster.

The dimensions of the piece are 75 x 75 cm. Created about 1515, the work reflects the stylistic shifts occurring in the Florentine School during the early sixteenth century. The square format provides a structured boundary for the composition.