One of Cima's most important works is the Madonna of this type in the
Venice Academy. High on a marble throne, she sits under a pillared
portico, behind which stretches a pleasant landscape. Three saints
stand on each side,--an old man, a youth, and a maiden. On the steps
sit two choristers playing the violin and mandolin.

Palma's great altar-piece, at Vicenza, is another splendid enthroned
Madonna. Attended by St. George and St. Lucy, and entertained by a
musical angel seated at her feet, the Virgin supports her beautiful
boy, as he gives his blessing.

Bellini's enthroned Madonnas are known throughout the world. The
picture by which he established his fame was one of this class,
originally painted for a chapel in San Giobbe, but now hanging in the
Venice Academy. Ruskin has pronounced it "one of the greatest pictures
ever painted in Christendom in her central art power." It is a large
composition, with three saints at each side, and three choristers
below.

The Frari Madonna is in a simpler vein, and consists of three
compartments, the central one containing the Virgin's throne. The
angioletti, on the steps, are probably the most popular of their
charming class in Venice.

[Illustration: GIOVANNI BELLINI.--MADONNA OF SAN
ZACCARIA. (DETAIL.)]

The San Zaccaria Madonna was painted when Bellini was over eighty
years old, and has certain technical qualities surpassing any the