Lippi's Virgin Mary

The work of Filippo Lippi, painted around the 1465, is the most well known among all his artistic production.

Filippo Lippi, from the Carmelite Order, wasn’t exactly loyal to the obligations of the religious life. In fact he fell in love with a nun called Lucrezia Buti. She fell in love with him as well and, after years of passion, both of them gave up their votes. From their love were born a daughter and a son, Philip, that became a famous painter like his father.

Lippi portrait of the Virgin Mary might be so popular because it is seems that the representation is the exact portrait of Lucrezia Buti.

The Virgin Mary is portrayed at side , while praying, and behind her a vast landscape inspired by the Flemish paintings. She has an extremely sophisticated hairstyle, enriched with pearls and veils and she is perfectly represented in her beauty.

Detail of weaving