The Virgin and Child with the Young Saint John the Baptist and two Angels(1470)
Created between 1468 and 1470, Sandro Botticelli's 'The Virgin and Child with the Young Saint John the Baptist and two angels' is a captivating depiction of maternal love and divine presence. The Virgin Mary tenderly holds the Child Jesus as two angels and young Saint John the Baptist accompany them. Botticelli's early style shows influences from Filippo Lippi, illustrating a profound emotional connection, highlighted by the subject's serene expressions and delicate detailing.
1468 - 1470
About the Artwork
This painting captures a profound moment of maternal affection and divine grace, emblematic of Botticelli's early works and the late 15th-century Florence's focus on devotional themes. Painted during Botticelli's formative years, 'The Virgin and Child with the Young Saint John the Baptist and two angels' showcases the emotional poignancy found in Renaissance art. Here, the Virgin Mary embodies compassion and melancholy as she holds her son, foreshadowing his destiny. The serene expressions of the angels and Saint John amplify this moment, creating a harmonious spiritual atmosphere. The artwork, originally held in the hospital of Santa Maria Nuova, now rests in the Accademia Gallery of Florence, allowing viewers to connect with Botticelli's early artistic vision.
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Did You Know
Sandro Botticelli drew significant inspiration from fellow artists, particularly Filippo Lippi, whose soft, rounded figures and emotive expressions can be observed in this artwork, marking its early stylistic roots in the Renaissance.
This piece reflects the popular devotional trends of late 15th-century Florence, where intimate representations of the Virgin and Child were highly cherished in both domestic and religious settings, showcasing the city’s rich artistic and spiritual life.
After its origins at the hospital of Santa Maria Nuova in Florence, ‘The Virgin and Child with the Young Saint John the Baptist and two angels’ is now housed in the Accademia Gallery, continuing to inspire admiration and reflection among art lovers and visitors.
