Artwork
Cherubs of the Sistine Madonna
Cherubs of the Sistine Madonna is an oil painting by the High Renaissance artist Raphael. It dates from 1511 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Cherubs of the Sistine Madonna is an oil painting attributed to Raphael, dated to around 1511. It is part of the Victoria and Albert Museum's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The painting shows two cherubs resting on a ledge, gazing upwards. Their dark hair and black wings are set against a cloudy sky with a warm, descending light, evoking innocence and curiosity.
Technique & Style
Raphael's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth, drawing attention to the cherubs' faces and giving the figures volume.
Artist & collection
Artist
Raphael was born Raffaello Sanzio in Urbino on April 6, 1483, the son of Giovanni Santi, a painter and poet attached to the ducal court.
Cupid Sheltering His Darling from the Approaching Storm
Ceres
The Virgin with an Angel, the child Christ and St John the Baptist
Two Angels
Two Children (study for 'Quitting the Manse' (NG 2308))
Cupids Playing
Three Putti with Musical Instruments
Thalian peili, Kansallisteatterin kattomaalauksen luonnos, yksityiskohta
Lucha de Jacob con el ángel
Three Cupids with Signs of the Zodiac: Scorpio, Sagittarius, Libra
An Angel
Three heads