The Niccolini-Cowper Madonna (1508) by Raphael - Public Domain Catholic Painting
The painting you are viewing is "The Niccolini-Cowper Madonna," created in 1508 by the Italian artist Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino), who lived from 1483 to 1520. Raphael is renowned for his extraordinary clarity of form and ease of composition, as well as the serenity and harmony that permeate his works. This painting depicts the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child in her arms, a common theme in Renaissance art that reflects tenderness and the maternal-child relationship.
The work is recognized for its beauty and delicacy, with both the Virgin and Child portrayed in an idealized manner, typical of Raphael’s style. The soft colors and attention to detail in the facial expressions contribute to the overall sense of calm and divine grace.
