Renaissance painting by Raphael showing the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, flanked by Saint Sixtus and Saint Barbara, with two cherubs resting below on a cloud.

The Sistine Madonna

$7,400

Description:

“The Sistine Madonna” by Raphael, painted around 1512–1513, is one of the most iconic and revered works of the High Renaissance. Commissioned by Pope Julius II for the church of San Sisto in Piacenza, the painting depicts the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, flanked by Saint Sixtus and Saint Barbara. The composition is elevated by the ethereal background of swirling clouds and divine light, suggesting a celestial realm. At the bottom of the painting, two cherubs rest their heads on their hands, gazing upward — these cherubs have become some of the most famous and widely reproduced figures in Western art.

The emotional intensity and serene beauty of The Sistine Madonna reflect Raphael’s mastery of balance, expression, and divine grace. Mary’s forward gaze and poised steps suggest movement toward the viewer, inviting contemplation and spiritual connection. The painting exemplifies the Renaissance ideals of harmony and realism while conveying profound religious reverence. Today, housed in the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister in Dresden, The Sistine Madonna remains a timeless symbol of sacred art and one of Raphael’s greatest achievements.

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Artist:

Raphael (1483–1520), born Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino, was one of the three great masters of the Italian High Renaissance, alongside Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Known for his exceptional talent in painting and architecture, Raphael was celebrated for his clarity of form, balanced compositions, and graceful figures. His early training under Perugino laid the foundation for his signature style — serene, harmonious, and idealized. By his early twenties, Raphael had already established a strong reputation in Florence, where he absorbed the influences of Leonardo and Michelangelo, which would deeply enrich his own artistic language.

Raphael’s most renowned works include his Madonna series, the School of Athens fresco in the Vatican’s Stanze di Raffaello, and The Sistine Madonna. These masterpieces display his deep understanding of anatomy, perspective, and emotional expression, combining humanist ideals with spiritual depth. In addition to painting, Raphael also worked as an architect and was appointed chief architect of St. Peter’s Basilica after the death of Bramante. Though he died young at the age of 37, Raphael left an extraordinary legacy that shaped European art for centuries and earned him a place among the greatest artists in history.

Material: Canvas

Frame: Rolled Canvas (Without Frame)

Print Quality: Our prints are crafted on premium archival materials, ensuring vibrant colors, sharp details, and long-lasting durability. Fade-resistant and flawless, they’re designed to keep your space looking elegant for years.

Size: 36*49 inches

Delivery: 2-3 weeks

Certificate of Authenticity: YES (emailed upon delivery)

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