Madonna Litta, copy after Leonardo da Vinci 1896

Magnus Enckell created this copy of Leonardo da Vinci's Madonna Litta during a time of significant shifts in artistic and social norms. Enckell, a Finnish symbolist painter, was deeply influenced by his personal experiences, especially his exploration of same-sex love, which was a taboo subject at the time. In his interpretation of this classic Madonna, Enckell brings a unique sensibility, diverging from traditional representations of idealized motherhood. The emotional connection between mother and child remains central, yet Enckell’s personal lens subtly shifts the narrative. He was known for imbuing his figures with a certain androgyny and a pensive quality which can be detected here. Enckell lived at a time when artists were challenging conventional gender roles and exploring alternative narratives around identity and desire. Enckell's "Madonna Litta" reflects these societal shifts and the emotional complexities inherent in redefining established norms. It invites us to consider the diverse ways in which love, identity, and personal experience can shape our understanding of iconic imagery.