Madonna of the Quail

The "Madonna of the Quail" is a splendid example of International Gothic painting, attributed to Pisanello around 1420. This remarkable artwork was originally housed in the Castelvecchio Museum in Verona, Italy, but was unfortunately stolen in 2015.

In this painting, the Madonna is depicted with the Child, surrounded by two flying angels, all seated in a lush rose garden. The style is distinctly late Gothic, characterized by meticulous portrayals of flora and fauna. The quail in the foreground is a central feature, giving the painting its name.

The scene exudes an ethereal quality, accentuated by a golden background. The Madonna's attire and appearance resemble the works of Gentile da Fabriano, a contemporary artist with whom Pisanello collaborated closely.

The setting of the "Madonna of the Quail" evokes other pieces from the same period, such as the "Madonna of the Rose Garden" by Michelino da Besozzo or Stefano da Verona, which are also part of the Castelvecchio Museum's collection.