Virgin and Child enthroned with Sts John the Baptist and Nicholas of Bari (the Ansidei altarpiece) (1505) by Raphael

Virgin and Child enthroned with Sts John the Baptist and Nicholas of Bari (the Ansidei altarpiece) - Raphael - 1505

Artwork Information

TitleVirgin and Child enthroned with Sts John the Baptist and Nicholas of Bari (the Ansidei altarpiece)
ArtistRaphael
Date1505
MediumOil on panel
Dimensions209 x 148 cm
Current LocationNational Gallery, London
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About Virgin and Child enthroned with Sts John the Baptist and Nicholas of Bari (the Ansidei altarpiece)

The Ansidei Altarpiece, also known as the Virgin and Child Enthroned with Sts John the Baptist and Nicholas of Bari, is a sacra conversazione style altarpiece painted by Raphael in 1505 for the Ansidei family chapel in the Servite Church of S. Fiorenzo, Perugia. The painting portrays the Virgin Mary seated on a wooden throne holding child Christ on her lap. St. John the Baptist stands to her right while St. Nicholas of Bari is seen reading on her left.

This masterpiece is considered one of Raphael’s most renowned works due to its clarity, harmony, and complexity of colors that represent each figure’s divine nature meritoriously. The work commemorates one miracle from each saint; Saint Nicholas was recognized as patron saint by his city after he conjured up a storm to save drowning sailors, while Saint John cleanses sinners before baptizing them into Christianity.

Raphael’s use of space constructs a dimensional illusion to convey each character’s individuality within an enclosed community sharing commonality with their faith at the center: Christ himself symbolizes everyone’s unity with God’s love – making it an exceptional representation that exemplifies Renaissance values such as perspective and Humanism.

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