Madonna and Child (1504 – 1505) by Raphael

Madonna and Child - Raphael - 1504 - 1505

Artwork Information

TitleMadonna and Child
ArtistRaphael
Date1504 - 1505
Mediumoil,board
Art MovementHigh Renaissance

About Madonna and Child

The artwork titled “Madonna and Child” is an oil painting on board by the renowned artist Raphael. Created during the period from 1504 to 1505, this piece is a representative work of the High Renaissance art movement. The genre of the painting is religious, depicting a common theme of the Madonna and Child that was prevalent in Christian art of the time.

In the artwork, the viewer is presented with a tender portrayal of the Virgin Mary seated with the infant Jesus Christ on her lap. The Madonna is dressed in a deep red garment, with its folds and creases rendered with exceptional realism. Mary’s expression exudes a serene and loving maternal affection as she gazes downward toward the Christ Child, who nestles closely to his mother. Both figures are adorned with halos, signifying their sacred status. The Child Jesus, in a typical Renaissance portrayal, appears more like a small adult rather than an infant, a stylistic choice meant to foreshadow his future wisdom and divinity.

The background of the artwork features a landscape setting that is suggestive of an idyllic Italian countryside. Small buildings and distant hills contribute to the serene and harmonious atmosphere, serving as a symbolic reference to the heavenly realm and the peaceful kingdom promised by Christian faith. The use of sfumato, a technique that blends colors and tones softly without harsh lines, can be observed in this background, showcasing Raphael’s skillful adoption of techniques pioneered by Leonardo da Vinci and others.

Through precise composition, delicate handling of the figures, and profound emotional resonance, Raphael’s “Madonna and Child” encapsulates the spiritual ideals and artistic innovation of the High Renaissance.

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