Madonna and the Chair, after Raphael

Oil on canvas

16 x 12 inches

Madonna and the Chair “Madonna della seggiola” was painted by Raphael during 1513-1514 and housed in the Palazzo Pitti collection in Florence.

This painting has a beautifully warm quality that conveys the intimacy between the Christ child and the Madonna. This is conveyed through asymmetrical fluid shapes and warm colours.

Traditional methods and pigments have been used here and in particularly Lapiz Lazuli for her lower garment.

I have included photos showing the developmental stages of this piece to demonstrate the traditional way of building up an oil pointing in layers, that is; beginning with a monochrome under painting in burnt sienna, then including the whites and darkening of the tones (a modulation of the light and dark areas), and finally adding the colours.