Sistine Madonna. Essay on a painting by Raphael

Raphael painted this picture around 1516. In General, the Theme of our lady was his favorite. The Sistine Madonna is his main work. In the center of the picture we see the Madonna herself with the son of God.

Some believe that in this picture, she is depicted as the simplest peasant woman, and holds her child as ordinary women held it. Others believe that it is depicted here almost as a miraculous phenomenon to the people.

Her face is not illuminated by Divine light, as in other images of our lady. I think Raphael wanted to show people that Jesus was not just the son of God, but first and foremost a person like all people. Continue reading →