The Sistine Madonna by Raphael Sanzio was created in 1513-1514 during the High Renaissance in Rome. Raphael is one of the most well known artists of this time because of his attention to detail in his paintings, mostly depicting religious scenes. Raphael was first commissioned by the Pope Julius II to paint his Vatican apartments in Rome. Raphael became more popular and influential in the Roman world, painting numerous works in different religious buildings, mostly commissioned by the pope. Today, Raphael’s work and attention to detail in his works is still admired by viewers and art historians alike.
In this painting, Madonna, also known as the Virgin Mary, is wearing her stereotypical blue cloak and carrying the baby Christ. She is looking …show more content…
Canvas was one of the many mediums that Raphael used throughout his creative career. It is believed that this piece was created to hang above “the bier of Julius II” which is a moveable frame above a casket that is placed right before the body is buried, and can be taken to the grave with them (Hartt 2011, 523). In history, Saint Barbara is the saint of death and liberation from the body, which supports the belief that this painting was for Pope Julius II right before his death as well as the inclusion of Julius II in this scene (Hartt 2011, 524). Instead of depicting a scene that was dark and somber which is commonly associated with death, Raphael depicted a scene that had a sense of hopefulness that Julius II will have a promising, rewarding …show more content…
Additionally, the piece creates discussion among the idea of the afterlife and the Bible says Jesus was sent to earth. Raphael was intentional in the way he used placement, movement, and expressions of the figures in this piece which also create more discussion and thought about this painting. The Sistine Madonna is still studied today because careful attention to detail Raphael used to depict the Virgin Mary and Christ child along side the man who commissioned many of his works, Julius
In this painting, Madonna, also known as the Virgin Mary, is wearing her stereotypical blue cloak and carrying the baby Christ. She is looking …show more content…
Canvas was one of the many mediums that Raphael used throughout his creative career. It is believed that this piece was created to hang above “the bier of Julius II” which is a moveable frame above a casket that is placed right before the body is buried, and can be taken to the grave with them (Hartt 2011, 523). In history, Saint Barbara is the saint of death and liberation from the body, which supports the belief that this painting was for Pope Julius II right before his death as well as the inclusion of Julius II in this scene (Hartt 2011, 524). Instead of depicting a scene that was dark and somber which is commonly associated with death, Raphael depicted a scene that had a sense of hopefulness that Julius II will have a promising, rewarding …show more content…
Additionally, the piece creates discussion among the idea of the afterlife and the Bible says Jesus was sent to earth. Raphael was intentional in the way he used placement, movement, and expressions of the figures in this piece which also create more discussion and thought about this painting. The Sistine Madonna is still studied today because careful attention to detail Raphael used to depict the Virgin Mary and Christ child along side the man who commissioned many of his works, Julius