Artist and Date

The painting is attributed to Leonardo da Vinci and is believed to have been created between 1478 and 1480, making it one of his early works.

Medium and Dimensions

The painting is executed in oil on canvas, originally painted on a panel before being transferred to canvas. It measures 49.5 cm in height and 33 cm in width (19.5 in x 13 in).

Location

The Benois Madonna is housed at the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia. It was acquired by the museum in 1914 after being purchased from the collection of Leon Benois.

Description

The painting depicts the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, who is reaching for a flower that Mary is holding. The flower is cruciform, symbolizing Christ's future Passion. The scene is set in a dark room with a double-arched window providing a glimpse of the pale blue sky outside. The figures are adorned with delicately gilded haloes, and the painting showcases Leonardo's use of chiaroscuro, a lighting and shading technique that gives the figures a three-dimensional appearance.

Symbolism and Interpretation

The painting includes Christian symbolism, with the cruciform flower representing the foreknowledge of Christ's Crucifixion. The interaction between Mary and the Child is depicted with a sense of intimacy and naturalness, highlighting the emotional bond between them. The work also reflects Leonardo's interest in the concept of sight and perspective, as indicated by the Child guiding his mother's hands into his central vision.

History and Attribution

The Benois Madonna is believed to be one of the first works painted by Leonardo independently from his master Andrea del Verrocchio. It was discovered in 1909 among private collections and was later sold to the Hermitage Museum. Despite some controversy over its attribution, it is widely accepted as a work by Leonardo da Vinci. However, some critics, like Berenson, have expressed dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the painting, such as the unfinished state and some anatomical inaccuracies.

Condition

The painting has undergone significant changes over the years, including being overpainted in some places and losing parts of its original paint layer. It was also transferred from a panel to canvas when it entered the Hermitage, which caused some damage. Overall, the Benois Madonna is a significant work in Leonardo da Vinci's oeuvre, showcasing his early mastery of technique and his ability to convey deep emotional and symbolic content.