The Technique

The painting is a tempera on panel. The support consists of four poplar planks almost certainly joined together with metal nails. A canvas was applied over the joints between the planks and in the knottier areas, followed by a ground layer of chalk and glue over the entire surface.

The preparatory drawing, still clearly visible, was then made on this chalk and glue preparation. For the figure of the Madonna and certain architectural elements, a cartoon was incised, resulting in softened edges for the incisions. The rest of the work was executed in successive glazes, beginning with a darker, almost black background, which also formed the foliage of the trees and the outlines of the architectural elements and figures, followed by the lighter tones.

The frame is original, as it is directly attached to the panel with hand-hammered nails. Made from a different wood—likely walnut—it features the same ground layer and gold leaf decoration.