Description
The painting Madonna della Seggiola, also known as Madonna della Sedia, is a masterpiece by the Italian Renaissance artist Raffaello Sanzio. The painting was done in oil on panel in 1513 and has an original size of 71 cm.
One of the most interesting aspects of this work is its artistic style. Raffaello was one of the great masters of the Italian Renaissance and his style is characterized by perfection in the representation of the human figure and harmony in composition. In Madonna della Seggiola, Raffaello depicts the Virgin Mary seated in a chair with the baby Jesus on her lap. The figure of the Virgin is delicate and feminine, while that of the child is sweet and tender.
The composition of the painting is another highlight. Raffaello uses the sfumato technique to create a soft and diffuse atmosphere in which the figures seem to float in space. The arrangement of the figures in the painting is balanced and harmonious, creating a sense of peace and serenity.
The use of color in Madonna della Seggiola is another interesting aspect. Raffaello uses a palette of soft and warm colors that contribute to the feeling of serenity in the work. The background of the painting is dark and neutral, making the figures stand out even more.
The history of the painting is also fascinating. Madonna della Seggiola was commissioned by a friend of Raffaello's, the Italian Cardinal Giovanni de' Medici, and was destined for his private collection. The painting has passed through various hands over the centuries and is currently housed in the Palatine Gallery of the Pitti Palace in Florence, Italy.
Finally, a little known aspect of the painting is that Raffaello made several versions of it. In addition to the original version on board, there are two versions on canvas and one on paper. All versions show the same composition and art style, but differ in some details.