Florence · Siena · Chianti
Sacred icons for Tuscany, land of gold grounds
Anyone who loves 13th-century Tuscan painting already loves the icon, perhaps without knowing it. The gold-ground Madonnas of Cimabue, Duccio and Coppo di Marcovaldo were born from the «Greek manner», the lesson of Byzantine icons, and use the same technique: panel, gesso, gold leaf and egg tempera.
The same technique, eight centuries later
Duccio di Buoninsegna's Maestà, now in the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo in Siena, and Cimabue's Madonnas are painted on gessoed panels, with gold-leaf grounds and colours bound with egg. The Tuscan painter Cennino Cennini described these methods around 1400 in his «Craftsman's Handbook» (Il Libro dell'Arte).
An icon painted today by Concetta Basile follows related methods, but remains faithful to the Eastern canon: transfigured faces, inverse perspective, inscriptions in Greek or Latin. For a Tuscan collector it is a direct dialogue with their own tradition.
Eleousa on gold ground
Worked gold ground, stars on the veil.
Virgin of Tenderness, round
Round panel with scroll decoration.
For villas, farmhouses and collections
In Chianti villas, historic homes in Florence and Siena, and private estate chapels, a gold-ground icon converses naturally with stone, terracotta and exposed beams. Size, palette and frame are studied according to the space and the light.
The first conversation can take place online or in person. We ship worldwide: the icon is delivered with protective packaging and, on request, insured shipping, together with its certificate of authenticity on real parchment with photographs of every stage and its explanatory booklet in Italian or English. Shipping conditions are checked case by case at the time of commission.
Gift ideas in Tuscany: Florence, Siena, Chianti and nearby
Chianti villas, the villages of the Val d'Orcia and the parish churches around Siena are among the most chosen wedding venues in Italy, including for couples from abroad: a gold-ground icon is the wedding gift that carries Tuscany's light with it. For the opening of a winery in Montalcino or Montepulciano, an agriturismo or a craft workshop in Florence, an icon of the patron saint is a lasting good wish.
Villa wedding
The Holy Family or a gold-ground diptych.
New winery or agriturismo
Saint Joseph or the local patron saint.
Anniversary
An icon for a family silver or golden wedding.
Christmas
The Mother of God of Tenderness for the family home.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an icon and a Tuscan gold-ground Madonna?
The technique is related; the language differs. Tuscan painting evolved towards naturalism and perspective; the icon remains faithful to the Eastern canon, which shows reality transfigured.