The Madonna with Child, Angels, Saints and Federico da Montefeltro, Duke of Urbino

Piero della Francesca's painting, known as the Brera Madonna or Montefeltro Altarpiece, is a significant work of the Early Renaissance. Created between 1472 and 1474, it depicts the Madonna and Child with Saints, Angels, and Federico da Montefeltro, the Duke of Urbino.123

The composition is set within an architectural space, featuring a vaulted ceiling with a scallop-shell design, from which an ostrich egg—a symbol of resurrection—is suspended. The infant Christ is depicted in a state of sleep, foreshadowing his Passion. The Virgin Mary's features are thought to resemble those of Federico da Montefeltro's deceased wife, Battista Sforza, and the infant Christ may represent their newborn son. Federico da Montefeltro is shown kneeling, suggesting the painting may be a votive work.13

This artwork exemplifies Piero della Francesca's interest in architecture, geometry, and the effects of light, characterized by its harmonious composition, proportion, and rational treatment of space and light. It is considered one of his last paintings and a representative piece of his unique contribution to Quattrocento painting.12