Raphael Sanzio, Madonna of the Rose (panel, option 2)

Description

Mary is seated on the right of the painting and supports the Child Jesus who rests his left foot on the furniture in the foreground. The little boy is naked and forcefully grabs a scroll that St. John offers him. On the cartouche you can read the inscription "Agnus Dei". The Virgin wears an indigo dress with red sleeves. Blonde hair is composed with two braids wrapped around the head and tied with a blue ribbon. A clear and transparent veil then descends towards the right shoulder. St. John the Baptist is standing on the ground, in the background and partly hidden by the Virgin's legs. The Saint looks at Mary who returns his gaze and holds a small processional cross in her left hand. Finally, St. Joseph is in a slightly backward position, behind the Madonna. He wears a brown cloak that covers him entirely and seems to accompany St. John. On the surface on which the Child Jesus rests is placed a rose with two buds. The background is completely in shadow and no environmental details or furnishings can be seen. The inscription that appears on the cartouche is "AGNUS DEI". St. John the Baptist then hands Jesus this inscription to anticipate his sacrifice.