Madonna and Child

Painting: Madonna and Child (1505)
Source: https://joyofmuseums.com/artists-index/raphael/madonna-and-child-by-raphael/

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Analysis
Madonna and child painting is known as Madonna del Granduca because it was owned
by the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Ferdinand III. It is an oil-on-wood painting showing a child
fondly cradled in her mother’s arms. The Duke purchased the painting for $600 in 1799 (Harris et
al., 2007). The painting became one of his most prized possessions, and he took it with him
wherever he went. Due to this, critics often referred to the painting as Madonna del Viaggio to
mean ‘for the journey because the painting was always in transit, accompanying the owner
whenever he went (Harris et al., 2007).
Raphael, an Italian artist, painted the piece of art. He did exceptional work while he was
in Florence (Miller, 1991). His work was influenced by the great artist Leonardo Da Vinci. One
of the similarities is in the depiction of Madonna’s eyebrows (Harris et al., 2007). In the painting,
the eyebrows are hardly visible, and this is similar to the Mona Lisa painting, where her
eyebrows are not prominently visible from the painting.
Further, the artist used the sfumato technique, which is an inspiration of Da Vinci’s style
(Harris et al., 2007). The painting shows a soft transition between a variety of tones and colors,
and the Madonna and child appear to emerge flawlessly from the dark background. The child
looks towards the audience but is warmly and gently pressed against Madonna, the mother.
There is an outright show of affection and love between Madonna and the child.
Further, the painting symbolically represents a mother’s love. It is a painting that shows
baby Jesus and the Virgin Mary (Miller, 1991). The red color on her gown is symbolic of the
blood of Jesus, which was shed on the cross to save humankind. The blue color on her gown
signifies her queenly role in heaven.

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Raphael is popular for painting several Madonna in his career as an artist. He became
popular for depicting Mary with so much dignity and purity, something that other artists of his
time failed to achieve. Raphael’s painting is an authentic production of a classic piece of art
(Miller, 1991). Raphael made a name for himself in the production of Christian art.
Overall, Madonna and Child’s art appeals to the audience. Its exceptional pattern, the
colors used as well as techniques leave the audience wanting to delve deeper and connect more
with the painting. The colors used, the way in which Madonna is depicted as well as the
background all enhance the perception of dignity, purity, and holiness. It is a painting that is not
just dedicated to beauty. In addition, it demonstrates a core characteristic of Christian values and
beliefs. Its deeper meaning makes it stand out among other paintings produced at the time.

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Poem
About love, they were right
How well it binds
Humans together, in a tight bond
A bond so strong to withstand anything.

It is human nature to love and
To want to be loved
A love that transcends
A special kind of love
A love like no other
Such is a mother’s love.

For the canvas captures it
Perfectly in its natural state
The darker background
Leaves attention to the mother and child
Lost in thought,
She marvels at the beauty of love
the baby sits peacefully
covered in love,
a mother’s love.

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References

Harris, L. J., Cárdenas, R. A., Spradlin Jr, M. P., & Almerigi, J. B. (2009). Adults’ preferences
for side-of-hold as portrayed in paintings of the Madonna and Child. Laterality, 14(6),
590-617.
Miller, M. J. (1991). A Madonna and Child from Pintoricchio’s Sienese Period. The Bulletin of
the Cleveland Museum of Art, 78(8), 326-359.