Madonna of the Baldacchino 1506

Raphael's "Madonna of the Baldacchino" (1506) is a masterful example of High Renaissance painting, characterized by its balanced composition, harmonious colors, and realistic figures. The painting depicts the Virgin Mary seated on a throne, holding the Christ child, with two angels flanking her, while two figures in the foreground look up at the Virgin. The painting's grandeur is enhanced by the inclusion of a canopy, or baldacchino, symbolizing the divine presence. This iconic work is housed in the Palazzo Pitti, Florence, and its beauty continues to inspire awe in viewers centuries later.