Madonna della Scala

This fragmented fresco was detached from the facade of the oratory of the Blessed Virgin Mary (formerly at Porta San Michele) in 1812. Vasari described the fresco as follows: “Over the gates of the city Correggio also painted a Madonna and Child; it is astonishing to see the lovely colouring of this fresco which has won him the most enthusiastic praise, even from passing strangers, who have seen nothing else of his.”