Madonna with St. Mary Magdalene and St. John the Baptist 1506

Andrea Mantegna’s “Madonna with St. Mary Magdalene and St. John the Baptist” is a depiction of the Virgin Mary seated and cradling the Christ child. St. John the Baptist stands to the left of the Virgin holding a scroll, while St. Mary Magdalene stands to the right of the Virgin. The figures are all set against a background of trees, and the overall composition is very symmetrical. Mantegna was an Italian painter known for his precise and meticulous style. The artist’s signature style is characterized by the detailed depiction of the figures and the clear and precise lines of their bodies, resulting in a painting that is both realistic and visually powerful. The painting was completed shortly before Mantegna’s death in 1506.