The Madonna and Child with the Infant Saint John the Baptist

In its sculptural forms and dramatic structure, this early work by Marco Palmezzano shows the influence of his teacher, Melozzo da Forlì (1438-1494), with whom he worked in 1493 for the fresco decoration of the now destroyed Feo Chapel of San Biagio, Forlì. This composition is notably similar to a panel by Antoniazzo Romano (before 1452-1508/12) in The Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena (inv. F.1965.1.057.P). As Romano was also significantly influenced by Melozzo, it is possible that both paintings relate to a common source in their master's oeuvre.