“Madonna and Child with the Young St. John,” a masterful work by the renowned artist Andrea del Sarto, dates back to approximately 1518. Executed in oil on canvas, the painting is an exemplary piece of the High Renaissance art movement, measuring 154 cm by 101 cm. Categorized as a religious painting, this artwork is housed in the prestigious Borghese Gallery in Rome, Italy.
The artwork depicts an intimate and tender moment between the Madonna, infant Jesus, and the young St. John the Baptist. The Madonna is portrayed with a serene and gentle expression, holding the infant Jesus, who is depicted reaching out towards St. John. St. John, positioned to the right, gazes back at Jesus, creating a connection between the figures. Del Sarto’s use of chiaroscuro brings depth to the scene, highlighting the delicate features and the subtle interplay of light and shadow. The warm tones and refined details exemplify the grace and harmony characteristic of the High Renaissance period. The painting exudes a sense of divine peacefulness and purity, emphasizing the sacred bond shared among the holy figures.