by Father Johann G. Roten, S.M. ©
Raphael is one of the most famous Madonna painters. He painted so many that his biography as a painter can be retraced and illustrated thanks to those outstanding artistic representations of Our Lady. The following is an attempt to present Raphael through his Madonnas, or at least a good number of them. Raphael's Madonnas are popular topics for Christmas stamps. Until 1991, Raphael's Madonnas were pictured on 298 stamps (or blocks of stamps) in seventy-five countries. Among the most popular we have:
1) Madonna del Gran'Duca 23
2) Sistine Madonna 23
3) Madonna in the Garden ("La Belle Jardinière") 16
4) Madonna Ansidei 15
5) Madonna della Sedia (chair) 14
6) Madonna Aldobrandini (or Garvagh or with Carnation) 13
7) Madonna with Goldfinch 11
8) Holy Family with Lamb 11
9) Madonna of Folìgno 10
The first period: 1499-1504
Raphael Santi was born in Urbino/Umbria on April 6, 1483. The boy was taught by his father Giovanni Santi, an honest painter. Raphael was eleven when his father died. At age sixteen he left for Perugia. He was admitted into the school of Il Perugino, his true teacher and master. In 1502/1503 he spent fifteen months with Pinturicchio in Siena. At nineteen Raphael was still a timid, somewhat mystically inclined young painter of provincial origin and habits. His first Madonnas were young, with pouting mouth, round face and veiled head. The posture was traditional and rigid, the form at times fuzzy. Already his exceptional qualities of simplicity, grace and harmony in color and composition could be noted. His admiration went to Fra Angelico whose Madonnas seemed to escape gravity. He emulated his master Il Perugino but already his own genius transpired.
1. La Madonna Solly (with the Thistlefinch)
ar. 1500
Oil on board (56 x 36 cm)
Perugia
Very young Madonna, almost childlike, reading from a book. The face has not yet the oval shape
of Florentine Madonnas. The painting exudes a certain austerity and simplicity. Il Perugino's influence is easily detectable.
Museum of Berlin (acquired with the Solly collection), #141
Guiné-Bissau, em. 1983.
2. Madonna Connestabile
1502/1503
Oil on panel (18 cm diameter)
Perugia
Considered to be one of the greatest gems of miniature paintings, this Madonna was painted for
Alfonso di Diamenti, a friend of Raphael's. The Virgin stands in open air reading, while the child
touches and looks into the same book. Mary is dressed in traditional marian colors: red tunic and
blue mantle with hood over her head. The child's playfulness reflects ease and security in his
mother's arms. The pretty landscape in the background suggests the passage from winter to spring.
The painting was sold by Count Scipione Connestabile to the Empress of Russia in 1871.
Hermitage, St. Petersburg
USSR, em. 1970
3.Madonna of Diotalevi
ca. 1503/04
Oil on panel (69 x 50 cm)
Perugia
Assigned to Perugino this painting is probably by Raphael. The board has been injured and the
blues have degenerated. More refined (long neck and oval face) than the Solly Madonna it is part
of the Perugino Period. The Virgin supports the infant sitting on her lap, her right hand rests on
the shoulder of John the Baptist. Christ's right hand is raised in benediction, John receives the
blessing in pious posture. Mary's face shows arched eyelids and the pursed mouth peculiar to
Raphael. Its expression is one of motherly affection for both infants, a resigned presentiment of
things to come, and a shade of the typical Umbrian "smorfia."
Museum of Berlin (purchased in 1842 from Marquis Diotalevi).
Republic of Central Africa, em. 1984.
4.Madonna of the Pomegranate
ar. 1504
Drawing with black pencil (418 x 298 cm)
early Florentine work
Possibly a cartoon for the Connestabile Madonna, this drawing is of high precision, technique
and balance. The half-length Madonna and child concentrate in posture and look on the
pomegranate held by both child and mother. Echoes of Della Robbia can be seen in this drawing,
especially in the sweet thoughtfulness of the Madonna.
Collection Albertina, Vienna
Austria, em. 1969
5.Coronation of the Virgin
The quality of light is such that the painting appears a magnificent high relief.
6. Crucifixion
7. Marriage of the Virgin
In late 1504 Raphael moved to Florence where the encounter with Leonardo occurred and so vitally affected his style. After the mastery of the perspective it was then the study of luminous and graphic dynamics that challenge his genius. How to include the element of color in the totality of the image? Refining his sense of color, Raphael attempted to match color and light; marrying light and shadow he created the impression of movement and action. This is what Vasari calls the "dolcezza ne' colori unita," the sweet harmony of colors. The conquest of a new and vibrating beauty characterizes this period. Raphael produced during this short period more than twenty Madonna paintings.
8. Madonna del Gran'Duca
The name does not refer to the person who commissioned this Madonna but who owned it at one
time. It is said to have belonged to Carlo Dolici (1616-1686) before it eventually came into the
possession of Grand Duke Ferdinand III of Habsburg in 1799. The painting became his faithful
companion; he carried it with him wherever he went. This is the reason why the picture is also
called "Madonna del Viaggio" (of the journey).
9. Madonna Ansidei
10. Madonna of Cowper
11. Madonna of Orleans
12. Madonna di Sant' Antonio
There are seven figures in this painting which shows resemblance to the Madonna del Baldacchino. The Virgin is seated on a throne holding the blessing Christchild on her right
knee and pressing John the Baptist forward with her left hand to receive Christ's blessing. To
Mary's left we have St. Catherine and St. Peter; to her right we see St. Margaret and St. Paul. In the
lunette above this central "altarpiece" is the Almighty with two adoring angels. The
three scenes of Christ's life of the predella are now dispersed.
13. Madonna di Terranuova
14. Madonna in the Meadow
1505/06
Oil painting on wood
113 x 88 cm
Called "Madonna Verde" or "Belvedere Madonna", this painting was a gift to Raphael's friend Taddeo Taddei. It was sold to the Austrian Imperial family and transferred, in 1773, to the
Imperial Collection at the Belvedere Gallery in Vienna.
The Virgin is seated on an elevation of ground in a beautiful landscape. In the background there is
a rendering of the Trasimenian lake. With both hands she supports the Child who stands before
her, her head inclined towards St. John who, kneeling at the side, offers a cross to his companion.
The composition is in the shape of a pyramid, probably inspired by Leonardo's Saint Ann
Threesome. The picture is of tender sweetness, the deep brownish tones of drapery and landscape
still another concession to Raphael's model and inspirator.
Paraguay, em. 1982
15. Madonna Tempi
1506/07
Oil on wood
75 x 51cm
This representation of mother and child was painted for the family Tempi. The Virgin is
represented standing, but seen only half-length. Mary holds the baby in her arms, his face rests
against hers. We are dealing here with a typical example of the Eleousa type or Virgin of tenderness.
This is what an art historian has to say about this painting: "Raphael, in reference to the
endearments between the mother and child, has always observed a degree of reserve, respect, and
modesty, which contributes ... to manifest the character of holiness which the subject requires"
(Karoly, 68). Madonna di Casa Tempi is a fine example of the victory of Florentine over
Tuscan style. Type, mould of face and drapery are pure Florentine.
The painting has suffered from unskillful restoration. It was purchased in 1820 by King Ludwig of Bavaria.
Alte Pinakothek, Munich
Republica de Guinea Ecuatorial, em. 1971
16. Madonna Canigiani (Holy Family)
1506/07
oil on panel
107 x 77 cm
Madonna Canigiani, after the Florentine family of the Canigianis, is in fact a representation of the
Holy Family. There are five figures in this picture, arranged in a pyramidal
system. At the apex there is Joseph, leaning on his staff.
Below, facing each other in a sitting position are Elisabeth
and Mary, and, between them John and Jesus. Jesus holds in hand a scroll upon which are written
the words: Ecce Agnus Dei. The attention of the three adults is directed toward the two toddlers.
According to Vasari "all appear to be astonished at the manner in which the two cousins treat
each other at an age so tender." Mary holds a book in her hand in which she had been reading.
Alte Pinakothek, Munich
Liberia, em. 1983
17. The Entombment
1506/1507
oil on panel
184 x 176 cm
This panel was executed for the Church of San Fernandino in Perugia. It had been ordered by
donna Atalanta Baglioni in memory of her son, victim of local feuds. The painting was purchased
by Pope Paul V (1565) for the Borghese Collection (Villa Borghese, since 1894), whereas the tympan
which goes with the painting and represents God the Father (with uplifted hands) is still in Perugia.
Here is what Vasari says of this "justly celebrated work":
"In this most divine picture there is a dead Christ, whom they are bearing to the
sepulchre, the body painted with so much care and freshness that it appears to have
been only just completed. When occupied with the composition of this work,
Raphael had imagined to himself all the grief and pain with which the nearest and
most affectionate relatives see borne to the tomb the corpse of one who has been
most dear to them, and on whom has, in truth, depended all the honour and
welfare of the entire family. Our Lady is seen to be sinking, insensible, and the
heads of all the weeping figures are exceedingly graceful; that of San Giovanni
most particularly; his hands are clasped together, and he bends his head with an
expression which cannot but move the hardest heart to compassion. Truly may we
say that whoever shall consider the diligence and love, the art and grace exhibited
in this work, has good reason to feel astonishment, and it does indeed awaken
admiration in all who behold it, not only for the expression of the heads, but
also for the
beauty of the draperies, and in short for the perfection of excellence which it displays in all its parts."
18. Madonna with the Goldfinch
1506/07
oil on wood
107 x 77 cm
Called in the original Italian "Madonna del Cardellino," in French "Vierge au Chardonneret" this
painting was realized by Raphael in about 1506 for his friend Lorenzo Nasi as a wedding present
for his bride. The 1548 Monte San Giorgio landslide destroyed Nasi's house and Raphael's
painting was broken into many pieces. Battista, son of Lorenzo, put it together with much skill.
The goldfinch presented by St. John Baptist to Jesus gives the name to the picture. The virgin is
sitting in a meadow planted with elegantly brushed trees, and, in the background, rolling hills and
the skyline of Florence lend depth to the painting. Mary holds in her left hand an open book.
Between her knees stands Jesus fondling with his right hand the goldfinch offered by St. John. The
Virgin's right hand rests on his shoulder in grateful acknowledgment of his eagerness to please
her son. The little bird may be viewed as symbol of Christ's passion and death to come, since the
red streaks among the goldfinch's feathers suggest blood. Mary's posture and attitude have a
similarly symbolic value. Contemplating book, nature, and Jesus' gesture, Mary attracts the
attention of the onlooker to the manifold origin of God's wisdom and revelation: his creation, the
revelation of his love in words (book) and the Word (Jesus), and the apex of his loving
deeds in the event of Redemption (goldfinch).
Uffizi Gallery, Florence
Paraguay, em. 1983
19. Madonna in the Garden
1507
oil on wood
122 x 80 cm
Signed on the edge of the Virgin's mantle "Raphael Urb." and "MDVII," this painting is more commonly
known under the title "La belle jardinière," probably because it was purchased by order of
François I and eventually bequeathed to the Louvre. The Virgin is sitting
amongst flowering shrubs and plants in an attractive landscape whence the name of the painting.
It is said that within two years Raphael painted this subject three times (see, for example, "Madonna in the Meadow").
Again the subtle and fluctuating harmony makes for much of the aesthetic quality of this painting.
As so often in Raphael's madonnas, the vividness of light and the brilliance of colors overcome
and dominate the massive shadow cast by Mary's dark blue mantle.
Louvre, Paris
Paraguay, em. 1982
20. Madonna del Baldacchino
1508
oil on wood
276 x 224 cm
This is one of the unfinished Raphael Madonnas; it received and deserved its name 'del
baldacchino," meaning "of the canopy," when about 1697 Agostino Cassana added the canopy.
The original then was placed in the Pitti Museum in Florence, whereas a copy was substituted for
the original in the cathedral of Pescia, the native place of Msgr. B. Turrini, the former owner.
Raphael had left this painting unfinished, when in 1508 he went to Rome.
Mary is seated on a throne holding the child on her knee. He gazes at St. Peter, one of four saints
surrounding the throne. Next to him we have St. Bernard, patron of monastic learning and
wisdom. On the Madonna's right side are St. James the Less, hands resting on a sturdy staff, and
St. Augustine. At the foot of the throne and hovering right and left of the canopy, four little angels.
Palazzo Pitti
Liberia, em. 1983
21. Madonna Esterhazy
1508
oil on wood
28 x 22 cm
Only a small picture, this representation of the Madonna is probably one of a series of "tableaux de salon" sketched or outlined by
Raphael but finished by some of his students. Painted between
1508-1513 it was given by Pope Clement XI (1700-1721) to Empress Elizabeth of Austria. She
donated it to Kaunitz, from whom it passed to the Esterhazy family (Hungary).
The motif is familiar presenting Mary surrounded by Jesus and John the Baptist. We see Mary in a
kneeling position. She holds the child who is sitting on a rock. The holy toddler points with
outstretched arm to John who turns his back on Mother and Child while reading a scroll bearing
the words Ecce Agnus Dei. In the background sitting on top of a knoll, we can see the silhouette of a walled city with towers.
In spite of the overall gentle harmony of the picture, there is prophetic drama involved. St. John
anticipates Christ's passion ominously lying in the future, hiding it literally from Mother and Christ
Child (turning his back on them). However, the Christ Child himself "knows" already and makes it known with his outstretched arm.
Esterhazy Gallery at Pesth (Budapest)
Hungary, em. 1984
22. Madonna Cowper
1508
oil on wood
68x46 cm.
This is the larger and latter of the two Cowper Raphael Madonnas, sometimes called the
"Panshanger Madonna." On the border of the Virgin's garment near her throat the artist's stamp
can be read (MCVIII.R.U.Pin.). The child is seated on a pillow in the Virgin's lap, his left hand
pushed into her bodice, hers raised and near his. Art historians see in this painting a reaction
against overwrought tenderness and Umbrian piety. The baby's posture and expression, in
particular, is an "unconditional appeal to the grace of nature unadorned." For Morelli the
Madonna Cowper (1508) is "perhaps the most lovely of all of Raphael's Madonnas."
National Gallery, Washington
Saint Lucia, em. 1983
23. Madonna Colonna
ca. 1507
oil on wood
77x56 cm.
The painting belonged to the Salviati family of Florence and passed by inheritance to that of the
Colonna. In 1828 it was purchased by the Prussian government.
This is not an authentic Raphael. Some historians agree that the unfinished painting was left
behind in Florence to be completed by Ridolfo Ghirlandaio. The resemblance with the
Madonna
Cowper of 1508 is striking. Even so it remained unfinished lacking of shade and too bright in coloring.
The pose of the Virgin is serene and playful holding in her left hand a missal and contemplating
the efforts of her child to rise. This madonna shows resemblance with Raphael's sketch in the
Albertina (Vienna) whereas the child is like that of the Orleans Madonna.
Museum of Berlin
Zaire, em. 1983
Third Period: 1509-1520
The third and last period of Raphaël's work and life coincides with his Roman sojourn. Called and commissioned by Pope Julius II, Raphaël transfered to Rome at the end of 1508. Here he decorated the three so-called stanzas at the Vatican. These wall and ceiling frescoes reflected a wide range of historical, religious, and mythological motifs. The Stanza della Segnatura (1509-1511) illustrates the age-old discussion between philosophy and theology in the "Disputa" and the "School of Athens." In the second stanza, called "Stanza d'Eliodoro" (1511-1514), he pictured the "Expulsion of Heliodor." The decoration of the "Sala del Incendio," the third stanza, was the work mainly of his disciples, Raphaël having been the inspirator and chief designer. The same applies to the decoration of the Vatican Loggias, and of such well-known paintings as The Triumph of Galathea (1514) and Amor and Psyche (1516-1517), both at the Villa Farnesina. At the death of Bramante in 1514, Raphaël is entrusted with the rebuilding plans for St. Peter. During this period, he was also in charge of the excavation, maintenance, and restoration of Roman and Vatican monuments. Not least, the rich powerful continued to commission Raphaël with the embellishment of their palaces and churches. Overworked and exhausted, Raphaël died at age thirty-seven, on April 6, 1520.
During this last period, Raphaël's Madonnas developed a new characteristic. They appear to be more powerful, and even dramatic, without losing the more fragile loveliness of the Florentine period. Some art critics speak of these Madonnas as representatives of absolute beauty.
24. Madonna Aldobrandini
ca. 1510
Oil on panel
38x33 cm.
National Gallery, Berlin
Cayman Islands
This is an authentic Raphael from around 1510. It was purchased by the Aldobrandini family and
collection and eventually was acquired in 1865 by the National Gallery in London.
The painting's composition is pyramidal, symmetric and triangular. The Virgin is seated on a
bench, her face aglow in light contrasting with the dark pillar in the background. In her right hand
she holds her blue mantle in a gesture to protect and cover the infant Jesus. Her left hand rests on
St. John's shoulder. The fame of the painting is the red carnation which Jesus offers to John.
The Virgin encourages John to claim the carnation by gently pressing his shoulder. John is
stretching his left hand to take it.
25. Madonna della Tenda
ca. 1514
Oil on panel
66x51 cm.
Old Pinakothek, Munich
The stretched green curtain (tenda) in the back of Mother, Child Jesus and John, gave the
painting its name and covers much of the background of the painting. The authenticity is doubtful,
the concept being by Raphael but executed probably by one of his disciples or friends. The
painting was at one time in Madrid (Escorial), then Paris and London, and finally in 1814 to
Munich. There exists a replica of this painting by Perino del Baga, A Florentine painter, in Turin.
The Virgin is seated with her face in profile, holding with her right arm the infant Jesus who is
lying on her lap. Jesus seems to be listening to John whose face – expressing respect
– is next to that of Jesus. The Virgin wears a veil over her forehead upon which a red cloth is twisted.
Guine-Bissau, em. 1983
26. Madonna della Torre
1512
Oil on canvas
73x64 cm.
Private collection, London
Cayman Islands
Painted in 1512 this painting may not be entirely by Raphael. It goes also by the name of
"Madonna with the Standing Child" and "Roger's Madonna." In the back, a tower-shaped
building can be seen, which allowed for still another appellation of the painting.
The Virgin stands behind a parapet on which the Child rests one foot, with his arms around her
neck. Here is what an art historian has to say: "...the Virgin gazes at the boy with a delicious
fondness, whilst he looks out of the picture with a smile, as if unconscious of all but the joy of the moment."
Charming detail: Mary's left hand clasps the boy's left foot while her right hand rests on his waist.
27. Madonna di Casa d'Alba
1511
Oil on canvas
98 cm. diameter
National Gallery, Washington
Reputed as one of Raphael's "most careful works and of most exquisite finish" this painting is
part of the Roman period. It passed at some time (eighteenth century) into the gallery of the Duke of Alba in
Madrid, and got into the hands of the Tsar of Russia in 1836.
The Virgin is seated in a meadow of wild flowers and violets. Her back rests against the trunk of
an oak tree. The left hand holds a book half closed over her finger, the other arm rests on the
shoulder of Saint John. He clings to her while climbing into her lap and gazing at the cross held by
Jesus, while John looks eagerly at Mother and Son.
Replicas of this painting exist in Genoa under the title of "Madonna della Rovere" (oak), another one in the Palazzo della Torre,
Ravenna.
Paraguay, em. 1982
28. Madonna di Foligno
1511
Oil on canvas
300x198 cm.
Vatican Gallery, Rome
Painted in Rome in 1512, this painting was ordered by Sigismondo Conti of Foligno who was
private secretary to Pope Julius II and who had the painting placed on the high altar of the
Franciscan church in Ara Coeli, Rome. It was to be a votive offering to Mary for her protection
against lightning or the fall of a meteor.
The Madonna holding the Child is seated upon the clouds above the distant city of Foligno. She is
surrounded by angels. Below her we have two groups of the saints: on the left St. John the
Baptist and St. Francis, on the right St. Jerome and Sigismond Conti, the donor. St. Sigismond is
the patron saint of the donor and also the saint to whom the Jeronimite convent near Cremona
was dedicated. St. Jerome begs the protection of the Virgin for the donor, who kneels in front of
him. Between the two groups stands a little cherub holding in his hands a tablet. According to art
experts, this painting is particularly remarkable for "the deeper golden tint which was never
apparent" in Raphael's earlier works.
Liberia, em. 1983
29. Madonna Bridgewater
1511
oil on canvas
90 x 60 cm
Bridgewater House, London
Cayman Islands
The Madonna Bridgewater, also known as 'La Plus Belle des Vierges', was not entirely painted by
Raphael and transferred from wood to canvas. From the Seignelay Collection it passed to the
Orleans gallery and from there into the possession of the Duke of Bridgewater. There are several
copies of this painting in different collections.
The Virgin is presented in a sitting position within a confined dark space. The child is stretched
across her lap, his head rests on Mary's right shoulder, his face turned toward his mother.
Burckhard says the following of this painting: "The infinite grace of the picture, by where it takes
a dreamy hold on the imagination of the spectator, is owing less to the beautiful forms and
features than to the exceedingly perfect lines, to the sweep of the movement of the mother and
child, to the disposition of the light."
30. Madonna of the Diadem
1512
Oil on Panel
70x50 cm
Museum of the Louvre, Paris
Also called "Madonna with the Veil" and much injured by repainting, this genre is known under
the term "silentium" or "Vierge au silence."
The virgin kneeling on the ground lifts the veil from the face of the slumbering child. She wants
St. John to see Jesus. St. John is kneeling, his hands folded in prayer and his arms clasped around
the reed cross. Mary wears a blue diadem to which a flowing yellow veil and a muslin cloth,
which clings to her shoulders and arms, are attached. The skyline in the back is Roman. It shows
the Pantheon lying in the nook of the Tiber Valley. The vista is partially blocked out by an ensemble of ruins.
It is said that this painting, divided in two halves, at one time covered two casks at Pescia where it
was found by an amateur who had it repaired by so skillful an artist that no trace of the joining can be seen.
Ivory Coast, em. 1983
31. Madonna di San Sisto
1519
Oil on Canvas
265x196 cm
Dresden Gallery, Germany
Better known under the name of "Sistine Madonna", it is the last Madonna painting painted by Raphel (1519). It was painted for the monastery of San Sisto in Piacenza, whence its name.
Purchased by Augustus II of Saxony (1753), it was "abducted" by Napolean but returned soon
after and restored in 1827. It is now in the Dresden Gallery.
Mary with Child stands on a globe partially covered by clouds, her veil billowing in an
imaginary draft coming from the left side of the painting. Draperies left and
right of Mary give the impression of a theatrical setting. Mother and Child are
framed in contrasting fashion by the older St. Sixtus (he bears the traits of Julius II, whereas the Virgin resembles the famous Fornarina)
and Saint Barbara in the splendor of youth. Mary's expression is one of lofty dignity. Her eyes
– like those of her son – reflect according to one commentator "an eternity of
unutterable fondness." Legend says that the two little angels were in fact two little boys who
climbed up the window of Raphaels's studio and there intently gazed at the artist while he painted.
S. Tome e Principe, em. 1989
32. Madonna della Sedia
1514 appr
oil on tondo
71 cm diameter
This painting is named after the chair (sedia) in which the Madonna is sitting. Painted between
1510 and 1514, it is of Raphael's own hand – undisputedly. Considered by many the most
popular and most widely disseminated of all Raphael madonnas, it was probably painted for Pope Leo X or one of the Medici.
The Virgin holds the Infant on her lap, the glances of both mother and child are directed to an
undetermined group of onlookers. St. John, as is often the case in Raphael's Madonna
paintings, stands in adoration to the right of Jesus and Mary.
A pretty legend is attached to this painting which tells the story of a hermit, the beautiful
daughter of a wine-dresser and Raphael.
"Centuries ago, there dwelt among the Italian hills near Rome a venerable hermit, whom the people called Father Bernardo. During a terrible storm his life was saved by Mary, the beautiful daughter of a wine-dresser, and by an old oak-tree in whose branches he had taken refuge; so he prayed to God to distinguish them in some way. Years passed away, the hermit died, and the oak-tree was converted into casks for Mary's father. One day Mary was sitting by one of these casks playing with her children, the elder of whom ran towards her with a stick made into the shape of a cross. Raphael had long been seeking a model for a picture of the Virgin and Child; just then he passed by, and seeing the group, stopped and drew them on the smooth cover of the wine cask. This he took away with him, and on it painted the Madonna della Sedia. Thus was the blessing and desire of the old hermit realized, and Mary and the oak were distinguished for all time." [Mrs. Clement, "Christian Symbols and Stories of the Saints," pp. 213-4.]Pitti Gallery, Florence
33. Madonna del Pesce
1514 - 1515
oil on canvas
215 x 158 cm
Painted by Raphael in Rome 1514 - 1515, Our Lady of the Fish was destined to embellish the
church of Saint Dominic in Naples. This church attracted people afflicted with diseases of the
eyes. Raphael thus introduced Tobias with the fish, for Tobias had cured his father's blindness
with the gall of a fish. Tobias is led to the throne of Mary and Jesus by the angel, Raphael, Tobias'
guide and protector. On the right of the throne we glance at St. Jerome with a book in his
hands. St. Jerome is the translator of the Book of Tobit. He is accompanied by the lion, his
customary attribute. The throne with a regal Madonna holding back her infant who eagerly
stretches his right arm to grasp the fish is painted against a large curtain.
This large altarpiece was taken from St. Dominic's church by the Duke of Medina, Viceroy of
Spain in Naples, in 1638; it passed to the hands of Philip IV of Spain (1645) and can now be seen in the Prado/Madrid.
El Prado Gallery
Penrhyn (Northern Cook Islands), em 1987
The execution of this falsely-attributed painting is thought to be that of Penni, also called "Il Fattore," one of Raphael’s assistants.
Euphemistically called "Madonna of the Walk," the painting represents a scene in the Flight to Egypt. The Virgin and Child pause to greet young St. John. The Virgin holds the arm of the Christ Child with her left hand, and puts her right hand on St. John’s head. The two naked children are the expression of bucolic innocence and friendship. St. Joseph is on his way, half hidden by shrubbery and trees.
The idea is charming, the children graceful, the landscape pretty, but the overall impression leaves little place for the grand emotion produced by Raphael. There is a certain heaviness and affectation in this painting, and the drawing is in parts incorrect.
S. Tome e Principe, em. 1983
34.
Madonna della Rosa
1518/19
Oil on canvas
103 x 84 cm
Prado, Madrid
It was painted by Giulio Romano, possibly from a design by Raphael. Numerous copies were made from the original. The name stems from the rose lying at the foot of the Christ Child. He draws a scroll from the fingers of St. John, probably an allusion to his future passion. Mary’s gaze is a mixture of melancholy and serenity. Joseph, a typical background figure, is absorbed in thought.
Ecuador, em. 1983
35. Madonna della Perla
1517/1519
Oil on wood transferred to canvas
4 feet 8 ¾ inches x 3 feet 9 ¼ inches
Prado, Madrid
It takes its name from Spain's Philip IV's exclamation: "This is my pearl," when he
first saw the painting. This Madonna, or better the Holy Family, was probably
painted by Giulio Romano from a design by Raphael.
The painting has a long history of ownership from the Counts of Canossa and other Italian courts to that of England (Charles I) and Cromwell to the Escorial and Philip IV (1649). The figure to the right of the Virgin is St. Anne, watching intently the two children. The Madonna, relaxed and serene, puts her right hand on her mother's shoulder. St. Joseph fades into the background to the left.
Dominica, em.1982
36. Madonna del Lagarto (of the oak)
15/8/1519
oil on wood
4 feet 8 3/5 x 3 feet 7 1/3
Prado, Madrid
The authenticity remains doubtful, although the cradle is signed "Raphael Pinx."
Nothing is known about the history of this painting, except for the fact that
Giulio Romano made a copy on which he added a lizard. (See: Madonna della
lucertola, Pitti, Florence). There is also a copy of "Madonna of the Oak" at the
Hermitage, St. Petersburg, attributed to Giulio Romano.
The Virgin is in classical blue and red. Her demeanor is one of tranquil pride. Her left arm rests on an antique sculpture. St. Joseph in typical pensive posture is leaning on the same piece of sculpture and watches the Christ Child and St. John. The toddler Jesus looks at his mother while taking a scroll from the Baptist. The words inscribed on the scroll are Ecce Agnus Dei.
Cook Islands, em.1975
37. Madonna of Francis I (Holy Family of the Louvre)
1518
Oil on wood transferred to canvas
6 feet 5 x 4 feet 3
Louvre, Paris
Considered the masterpiece of Raphael’s Holy Families, it is figured and dated
on the blue mantle of the Virgin. Painted for Lorenzo de Medici as a gift to
Francis I of France, it manifests the maturity of Raphael’s art in handling
large scale figures, richly clad attires, and palatial architecture.
A more dramatic composition, the painting suggests a truly "moveable feast" triggered by the Christ Child rising from his cradle and received by the crouching mother. This lively group contrasts with the more static but intensely watching group of St. Elizabeth and the Baptist child. One of the two angels in the back is about to cover the Madonna with a wreath of flowers, while Joseph contemplates the scene putting his face on his hand.
Guyana, em.1987
38. Madonna dei Candelabri
1515
Tondo
60 cm diameter
Walters Gallery, Baltimore
Also known under the name of "La Vierge aux Candelabres," this tondo ranks
among the most excellent of Raphael's creations. There are two representations
of this theme. The Madonna, a half-length figure, is standing. She holds the
infant who is seated on a white cushion. He casts a cheerful glance at the
spectator and holds on to his mother’s vestments. The central group is
surrounded by two angels (heads and one hand visible) holding up flaming candelabra.
Italy, em.1983
39. Madonna dell 'Impannata
1513 appr.
Oil on wood
158 x 125 cm
Pitti Palace, Florence
The name "Impannata" designates a window covered with a linen pane. Its authenticity
frequently questioned, there are drawings for it by Raphael. Some art historians
attribute the execution to Giulio Romano.
The Madonna presents her son to St. Elizabeth while the younger woman behind St. Elizabeth, St. Mary Magdalene, points to St. John the Baptist, and he in turn points to Jesus. St. John is eight or nine years old. The anachronism has been explained as required by the fact that John is the patron saint of Florence. The painting was in the collection of the Grand Duke Cosimo and was later catalogued as one of the works at the Uffizi before it became the property of the Pitti.
Paraguay, em.1982
40. Holy Family of Loreto
1513
Oil on wood
Loreto
Destined to Cardinal Riario, this painting--original or copy--in 1717 came into
the possession of the sanctuary of Loreto. The theme is a very domestic one.
Mary holds her veil or sash in playful gesture over the lying infant who is
trying to catch it. The playfulness of mother and child is contrasted by the
calm and meditative composure of St. Joseph standing to the right of mother
and child.
Popular Republic of Benin, em.1983
41. Christ Carrying the Cross
1517
Oil on canvas
318 x 230 cm
Prado, Madrid
Also called "spasimo" or spasm the painting created for a church in Palermo shows
Christ following beneath the Cross while the holy women are kneeling by and
commiserate. The woman with outstretched arms and dramatic posture may well be
his own mother. The painting was purchased by Philip IV, King of Spain. It may
be a collective work of Raphael's studio.
Republic of Mali, em. 1981
42. The Small Holy Family
1518
Popular Republic of Congo, em. 1984
Nauru, em. 1983
by Father Johann G. Roten, S.M. ©
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