Get Inspired: Raphael’s Sistine Madonna
Raphael, The Sistine Madonna, ca.. 1513, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden. Wikimedia Commons.
Whenever we hear about the Italian Renaissance, vibrant images full of rich, harmonious color palettes, perfect proportions, and realistic compositions come to mind. We immediately envision such masterpieces as Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, Donatello’s David, Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, and Raphael's Sistine Madonna. All these works can be found in world-famous galleries and museums, pleasing people's eyes and hearts. One such prominent piece of Renaissance art is the Sistine Madonna, one of Raphael's most famous works.
In 1512, Pope Julius II commissioned the painting of the Sistine Madonna as a gift for the monastery church of San Sisto. This is why Raphael’s Madonna is called the Sistine Madonna. The city authorities of Piacenza found the painting so beautiful that they did not want to give it to the church: they wanted to keep it in the city. The Pope himself had to intervene and order the painting to be brought to the Vatican, where it gained popularity and recognition.
So, what does this painting depict? In the center of the canvas, the Madonna strides, cradling the infant Christ in her arms. Lower down to the left, Pope Sixtus humbly looks up at her, pointing outward to what is believed to be a Christian congregation with his right hand. (A sharp-eyed observer might notice six fingers on his hand, which is considered to be either the Pope's natural polydactyly or Raphael's oversight.) On the right-hand side, there is the kneeling figure of St. Barbara, a martyr from the third century. Both figures are the patron saints of the San Sisto church. A more attentive viewer might also notice dozens of angelic faces in the sky, contemplating Mary and Jesus.
If we take a closer look at the Virgin Mary and the infant Jesus, we can observe somewhat upset expressions on their faces. One theory suggests that the Sistine Madonna was originally intended to be placed behind a choir screen, facing the attached crucifix on that screen. This could explain the frightened expressions, as Jesus and his mother foresee his torturous death.
Another beautiful aspect of the painting is the presence of two cherubs at the bottom of the canvas, with wistful and innocent gazes. These cherubs have become popular art characters in their own right, appearing on postcards, stamps, etc. It is said that Raphael might have been inspired by two children peering into a baker's shop window.
The Sistine Madonna is a precious piece of Renaissance art that exhibits a harmoniously balanced design and divine motifs. Throughout the years, it has captivated countless visitors. Many artists have drawn inspiration from this masterpiece, including the renowned German composer Robert Schumann, who once said: “the educated musician can profit as much from studying a Raphael Madonna as can a painter from a Mozart symphony.”
In 1754, the Madonna was purchased by King Augustus III of Saxony for his collection in Dresden, where it has been on display to this day at the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister.