“The Madonna of the Basket,” created circa 1524 by the artist Correggio, is an oil on wood artwork that measures 33.7 by 25.1 cm. It is part of the collection at the National Gallery in London. The artwork is a fine example of the High Renaissance style, reflecting the period’s shift toward a more naturalistic representation of figures and space.
The artwork portrays the Virgin Mary, depicted with grace and maternal tenderness, holding the infant Jesus. The figures are the central focus of the composition, with Mary seated and cradling her child. Her gaze is gentle, directed toward the baby Jesus, who appears lively and engaged, gazing back at his mother. The softness of their skin and the delicate rendering of their expressions evoke a sense of intimacy and affection between mother and child.
They are set against a background that suggests a pastoral landscape, replete with classical architectural elements that lend an air of timelessness to the scene. To the side, one can discern a basket, which, along with the detailed depiction of fabrics and the careful interplay of light and shadow, showcases Correggio’s skillful use of oil paint to create texture and depth. Overall, the artwork encapsulates the Renaissance’s ideal of harmonious and proportionate composition, alongside a humanistic interest in the emotional bond between mother and child.
