The Madonna Connestabile Raphael (1483-1520)

Description of Raphael Santi’s Madonna and Child (Madonna Conestabile)

When Santi painted Madonna and Child, he was almost seventeen years old. So this painting does not yet have the classical beauty, the brilliance and painterly execution for which the master’s later works were renowned. But in the chamber and modest Madonna and Child there are other qualities that give it an exquisite appearance.

The main feature of the painting is the subtle lyricism that permeates the entire picture. It can be seen both in the image of the Madonna - very young and, childishly, naive features of the girl’s face. And also in the pristine landscape that gently spreads out behind her. Everything is in a spring mood, everything is turning green and buds are blossoming as signs of new life.

The main feature in the Madonna’s appearance is her pensive clarity of features; the same mood hovers around her. In its chamber character, this painting is reminiscent of the miniature for book publications. Having chosen the circle as the form of his work, Raphael naturally builds and composition in a limited space.

The girl fits very harmoniously into this framework. Its rounded shape perfectly underlines the smooth lines of the Madonna’s shoulder, her head covered by the veil, the lines of her second shoulder. The figure of the girl is placed strictly in the center. The child’s body is positioned at the same angle as the mother’s head.

Thanks to this technique, the artist managed to harmoniously combine these two persons into a single composition. The baby is trying to play, but his mother is engrossed in reading, which also interested the baby, so they are both turned towards the book. The impression of perfect peace and quiet is created.

It should also be noted that the frame of the picture is also made from a drawing by the artist himself. These are grotesque ornaments, with black and gold colors in combination. The gilded frame, is done in low relief with wood carvings.