This depiction of Madonna and Child poses both
Mary and the Infant
Jesus in the center of the image, framing the gaze between Mary and her son with a blue background. The position of Mary and Child is also framed by a church-like arch supported by
Composite order pillars. The
Madonna is in dressed in red covered by a black cloak which has gold accents and trim. The
Child wears only a white cloth. The babe is being handed to its mother by an
angel, in the figure of a young boy, wearing white and red, whose wings are barely in scene. As the Mother and Child gaze at each other, the angel gazes directly toward the observer. All three figures are drawn with a
halo; the Christ-Child's is a
cruciform halo, which is a traditional way of distinguishing Jesus. Botticelli showcases a non-historic image of the Madonna and Child, instead drawing his inspiration from the Renaissance ideals of beauty. There are parallels in Botticelli's work in which he continuously depicts Mary and Jesus with blonde, wavy hair and fair skin so as to elevate the image of both figures in creating a sort of devotional perfection. Other examples of this include,
Madonna and Child,
Madonna of the Magnificat, and
Sant'Ambrogio Altarpiece (Botticelli). ==See also==