Located at the entrance of the Fanjeaux Residence hall, this plaque is a reproduction of the first panel on the left of the bronze doors of the Old Sacristy in the Florence Cathedral originally found in Italy. Formally known as the Madonna and Child with Cherubim, this piece was originally made by Andrea della Robbia during the end of the 15th century. 

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    This lunette shaped piece has the Virgin Mary seated with the Holy Child on her right knee, with two angel heads and wings to the Madonna’s left and right side and are seen with a halo behind their heads. The figures are white in color and are placed on a blue background, all encapsulated by an edge of green leaves and a variety of fruits, including oranges and grapes.

Both the figures and the surrounding vegetation of the plaque pop out in a sort of laminated fashion, capturing the viewer’s attention from first glance. Additionally, the soft stroke of blue paint used for the background aids in the overall tender and solemn atmosphere of the piece. 

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    The Virgin Mary holds the child gently with her head tilted slightly to the right, similar to that of the child’s. We see the child’s left hand rests on the Madonna’s left hand, while his right hand is raised and forms three fingers for the Holy Trinity. Despite their physical closeness, the two do not look at each other, and have rather grave expressions. The Virgin’s downwards gaze suggests meditation on the child’s fate, while the child faces the rest of the world. And although this piece shows a vibrant use of color, the thoughts of both the Madonna and Child seem to converge on the same sorrowful theme: the coming life and death of Christ.