Terranuova Madonna by Raphael

Raphael · 1505-01-01

Raphael's "Terranuova Madonna," painted around 1505, is currently on display at the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin. This serene oil painting on wood depicts the Virgin Mary with the infant Christ, accompanied by the infant Saint John and another child saint.

Observe the details: the Christ child holds a medallion with the IHS monogram, and Saint John is identified by his cross-shaped staff. The Madonna's vibrant red robe and the distant landscape create a balanced High Renaissance composition.

This work is known by two names. While its official title is "Madonna with Child, St. John and a Child Saint," it gained its more popular name, "Madonna Terranuova," from the Italian Dukes of Terranuova who owned it. The painting remained in their collection until 1854 when it was acquired by the Staatliche Museen in Berlin.

Raphael, who painted this in his Florentine period, was influenced by contemporaries like Leonardo da Vinci and Perugino. What subtle details in the background do you notice?

Details

Next to them, the infant Saint John holds his cross-staff.

It became known as the “Madonna Terranuova” because of its owners.

It belonged to the Dukes of Terranuova, until 1854.

His plump form and engaged gaze suggest both his divine nature and his humanity.

Transcript

This painting by Raphael shows the Madonna with three children. The Christ child holds a medallion, bearing his initial monogram. Next to them, the infant Saint John holds his cross-staff. This is one of Raphael's early Florentine works, around 1504-1505. It became known as the “Madonna Terranuova” because of its owners. It belonged to the Dukes of Terranuova, until 1854.