Madonna of the Pinks (La Madonna dei Garofani) Raphael (1483-1520)

The painting depicts the Madonna and Child in an intimate moment. The Virgin Mary, with a gentle expression, is holding the Christ Child who is reaching out towards her. They are surrounded by soft light, creating a serene and tender atmosphere.
The paintings title, Madonna of the Pinks, strongly suggests a symbolic meaning. Pinks, in Renaissance art, often symbolize divine love, betrothal, and purity. The presence of these flowers, even if not explicitly visible in this particular depiction, would have carried significant religious and symbolic weight for viewers of the time. The subtext likely revolves around themes of divine love, the purity of Mary, and the tender relationship between mother and child, imbued with spiritual significance. The intimate setting and the Christ Childs gesture towards his mother can be seen as an early foreshadowing of their complex relationship and his eventual sacrifice.