Description:
"Madonna del Divino Amore"
French artist follower of Raphael Sanzio
Oil on panel
18th century
Dimensions cm. 38 x 50
Gilded frame cm. 53 x 65
Excellent condition
The painting is a splendid copy, executed in oil on panel, of the very famous "Madonna del Divino Amore" painted in 1517 by Raphael, today preserved at the Capodimonte National Museum. The dimensions are very small compared to the original panel which measures cm. 140 x 109, but the fineness of the painting captures all the characteristics of Raphael's masterpiece equally.
Mary is seated in the foreground with the Child Jesus turning towards Saint John the Baptist and blessing him. Beside her is Saint Elizabeth in slight shadow (according to some scholars, it would be Saint Anne). Further away, in the background, the erect figure of Saint Joseph appears detached, completely in shadow.
Instead of the traditional pyramidal composition, the scene is set according to an innovative diagonal arrangement, centered on the Virgin's extended left leg holding the Child and reminiscent of the "Madonna del Belvedere".
Jesus seems attracted by the cross held by Saint John and stretches out to receive it, reiterating the acceptance of his destiny.
The presence of Joseph, albeit marginally, reiterates his role as protector of the Holy Family.
The author of the work is an excellent 18th-century French painter, who, commissioned, created an image perfectly suited for private devotion, and which also had enormous success in France.
The panel is in excellent condition and is presented complete with its coeval gilded frame.
