Madonna of the Rose Garden

Stefano da Verona's Madonna of the Rose Garden, painted around 1420, is a supreme example of the International Gothic style in northern Italy. The enchanted garden setting (hortus conclusus) symbolizes the Virgin's purity, while the profusion of flowers and birds creates a tapestry-like decorative richness. Stefano was the leading painter in Verona in the early 15th century, bringing the elegant courtly style to its highest expression in the Veneto region.

The painting exemplifies International Gothic refinement with sinuous line, brilliant color including extensive gold leaf, and minute naturalistic detail in the botanical elements, creating a jewel-like surface of extraordinary decorative complexity.