Raphael Sanzio, Cowper Madonna (panel)

Description

The work shows the Madonna seated half-length with the Child in her lap who is about to embrace her. Iconographically it is usually referred to a derivation of the Grand Duke's Madonna, with a lively interaction between mother and son in gestures. The bust of Mary is rotated to the right, while the body of Jesus twists in the opposite direction, wrapping his mother around his neck affectionately. The gazes of both are turned to the viewer and their faces are created by analogies, starting with the soft blonde hair of both. Further away, the mist makes everything very clear, in blue tones.