Raphael's Madonnas Analysis

Raphael and his Madonnas

Introduction

Italian Renaissance

Renaissance (French), or in Italian, means “rebirth”, a new beginning. This term is used to call this period from late 14th century to 16th century. Humanism plays a principal role in the Renaissance period. The value, potential and accomplishment of human being, both individually and collectively, was emphasized by many philosophers at the time. Classic antiquity thinkers such as Plato, Aristotle and Vitruvius were regaining respects. Many humanists were from Florentine, Italy and this was where the Renaissance movement blossomed. They looked back to the Classical past where naturalism, realism and scientific achievement were tremendous. Humanists tend to look past or denied the

La belle jardinière is known primarily for the harmonic and proportional balancing of the poses of the figures and for the high formal quality present in every element, particularly in the face of the Virgin, which served as a model of beauty for generations of artists.The young Jesus and John the Baptist have perfect little bodies, posed in graceful postures to interact with each other and the Virgin. How the light is contrasted with the dark along with the relaxed, informal pose of the Madonna are influenced by Leonardo Da Vinci’s technique, particularly The Virgin of the Rocks. But Raphael differentiates himself with a more gentle, rhythmic interaction, the carefully perceived landscape with bright light and natural beauty provide an appropriate setting for the figure group. The triangular composition is common in the Madonnas paintings of Raphael. This composition helps the figure interact with each other in a smooth

Even though he is said to be influenced by his teacher, Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo, Raphael had made a name of his own in becoming the master of drawing Madonnas. His depiction of Madonna and the Christ child is so graceful and idealized. The naturalism and realism of the human figure are perfected. The landscape in his paintings are clearly influenced by that of Leonardo Da Vinci with a warm palette and hazy feeling, not too stand out to help the audience focus on the central figure. The structure of his figures is also under Michelangelo Raphael is admired for dynamic composition and movement, the clear form and its visual achievement of human grandeur. The harmonious composition helps the figures to move freely and