An artwork on Galleree from The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Madonna and Child Enthroned with SaintsRaphael (Raffaello Sanzio or Santi)
Italian, Urbino 1483–1520 Rome
ca. 1504
Main panel, overall 67 7/8 x 67 7/8 in. (172.4 x 172.4 cm), painted surface 66 3/4 x 66 1/2 in. (169.5 x 168.9 cm); lunette, overall 29 1/2 x 70 7/8 in. (74.9 x 180 cm), painted surface 25 1/2 x 67 1/2 in. (64.8 x 171.5 cm)
Painting, altarpiece
Oil and gold on wood
European Paintings
Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1916
In Raphael's "Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saints," we are invited into a serene moment of divine presence. The central figure of the Madonna, seated regally upon a throne, holds the Christ Child, radiating warmth and innocence. Surrounding them are four saints, each embodying a unique character and virtue, forming a harmonious circle of devotion.
The saints are depicted with intricate details in their garments, revealing their individuality through color and posture. To the right, one saint gestures toward the Christ Child, highlighting the importance of this holy family. The lush background, with rolling hills and gentle skies, enhances the tranquility of the scene, creating a connection between the divine and the earthly.
Above the throne, angels hover, drawing attention to the heavenly realm. Their gentle expressions and graceful movements evoke a sense of protection and love. Here, Raphael combines classical beauty with spiritual reverence, illustrating a moment where heaven and earth unite.
This artwork serves not only as a visual feast but also as a reminder of the peace found in faith and community. Each figure, meticulously crafted, contributes to a larger narrative, inviting viewers to reflect on love, protection, and the sacredness of family.
About the artist
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world for everyone to experience and enjoy. The Museum lives in two iconic sites in New York City—The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters. Millions of people also take part in The Met experience online.Since its founding in 1870, The Met has always aspired to be more than a treasury of rare and beautiful objects. Every day, art comes alive in the Museum's galleries and through its exhibitions and events, revealing new ideas and unexpected connections across time and across cultures.The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from The Met's Open Access dataset under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 1000 Fifth Avenue New York, NY, USA 10028
The best place to view The Metropolitan Museum of Art‘s artwork is on Galleree. Hear the story behind this work, interact with the image, discuss with people, curate your own playlists, and discover so much more from great artists and institutions alike.