🔥 Fine Antique 19th c. Italian Old Master Madonna Oil Painting, After Raphael

Description: This is a wonderful and Fine Antique 19th c. Italian Old Master Madonna Oil Painting on canvas, mounted on board, after Italian Renaissance painter Raphael (1483 - 1520.) This work depicts Raphael's famous and most intimate painting, Madonna della Seggiola, or in English, Madonna of the Chair (circa 1514.) In this work, the Madonna stares directly at the viewer, cradling her infant son, Jesus, while the child Saint John the Baptist looks on. This piece is unsigned, but this is completely expected, and common among 17th - 19th c. Old Master paintings created After the original artists. This artwork is very well executed, and likely created by a highly talented and known European painter, presumably in Italy. This painting likely dates from the middle to late 1800's. Approximately 24 1/2 x 24 1/2 inches (including frame.) Actual artwork is approximately 20 x 20 inches. On the verso of the frame, the remnants of an old auction label can be seen, which reads: "LOT N(UMBER.)" Good condition for over a century of age, with one fine crack at the lower edge of the gilded frame, and light scuffing and edge wear (please see photos.) Acquired from an affluent estate collection in Pasadena, California. If you like what you see, I encourage you to make an Offer. Please check out my other listings for more wonderful and unique artworks! About the Original Painting by Raphael This painting is named for the first time in the Tribuna degli Uffizi inventory in 1589 ("a round painting which depicts the Virgin Mary sitting with Our Lord on her lap, with Saint John next to them, by Raffaello da Urbino. The piece was likely painted in Rome under the papacy of Pope Leo X, following the discovery of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel (around 1513). The "Madonna della Seggiola" is an oil on panel Madonna painting by the High Italian Renaissance artist Raphael, executed c. 1513–1514, and housed at the Palazzo Pitti Collection in Florence, Italy. Although there is documentation on its arrival to its current location, Palazzo Pitti, it is still unknown who commissioned the painting; however, it has been in the Medici family since the 16th century. It depicts Mary embracing the Christ child while sitting in a chair as the young John the Baptist devoutly watches. The painting showcases Raphael's naturalistic approach to depicting the Madonna. The commission of the painting is undocumented despite it being created while Raphael was spending a relatively well-documented period of twelve years in Rome. The painting was painted during the same time Raphael was working on the frescoes in the Vatican Stanze and loggia of the Vatican. Most of Raphael's commissions for this period were under the strict guidance of Pope Leo X (Giovanni di Lorenzo de' Medici), who was known to be one of Raphael's biggest patrons at the time. While under Leo's patronage, Raphael rarely got commissions from outside of the pope's immediate circle. Leo X was also the successor to Pope Julius II (Giuliano della Rovere) who was another major patron of Raphael and a central contributor to the High Renaissance. However, it has been speculated that the painting was painted for Leo X, which also connects the painting to the Medici family during the sixteenth century while in Rome. The chair's finial in the painting is evidence that supports the idea that the painting could have been commissioned for Pope Leo X. The finial takes on the form of a round ball, similar to the Medici's heraldic symbol, the palle, which is also seen in Leo's coat of arms. On the other hand, the chair's finial could also be a symbol for Pope Julius II and his family's symbol, the Della Rovere oak acorn, further adding to the mystery of the unidentified patron. The "Madonna della Seggiola" has been admired by many artists, poets, and engravers. It has been copied many times over and, historically, was considered one of the most revered of Raphael's Madonnas.

Price: 3500 USD

Location: Orange, California

End Time: 2024-09-25T21:53:22.000Z

Shipping Cost: 45 USD