Madonna del Granduca, also known as the Madonna of the Grand Duke, is a painting by Italian Renaissance artist Raphael. Completed in the early 1500s shortly after his arrival in Florence, it depicts the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus. One of Raphael’s most beloved works, this painting demonstrates his ability to represent religious subjects with realism and humanity.
The influence of Leonardo da Vinci can be seen in several elements of Madonna del Granduca, including its use of sfumato and the way figures emerge from a dark background. X-ray analysis has revealed that this background was added by an unknown painter. Despite this modification, Raphael’s original style is still apparent in Mary’s red tunic and blue cloak, rendered with purity and harmony.
Madonna del Granduca is currently housed at Palazzo Pitti in Florence but was named after one of its owners – Ferdinand III, Grand Duke of Tuscany. This work is an excellent example of Raphael’s remarkable talent for combining idealized beauty with naturalism to convey meaningful religious subjects.
