Madonna of the Magnificat

This is one of seven known replicas of a painting by the 15th century Florentine artist, Sandro Botticelli. The original is now in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. This round panel is contemporary with the original and may have been produced in the artist's workshop. The title, Madonna of the Magnificat, derives from the opening words of the virgin's song of exaltation. She is writing the phrase, "My soul doth Glorify the Lord," Which in Latin begins with the word Magnificat in the book before her. This painting is among the last works that Morgan bought to adorn the room. He purchased it in 1911 from Elia Volpi, an Italian painter, restorer, and dealer. Volpi sold works to a number of American clients operating from a palazzo containing pictures, furniture, sculpture, and ceramics. He was embroiled in a number of disputes over forgeries in the years following Morgan's death.