12 July 2011
The Alba Madonna by Raphael Sanzio
Raphael Sanzio’s The Alba Madonna was painted in 1511 and depicts an image of Mary, the baby Jesus and John the Baptist (as a child) sat in a countryside scene. In the painting, John the Baptist is holding up a cross to Jesus who, in turn, grips it whilst all three figures assert their attention towards the cross. The painting appears to be making some kind of prophetic statement with regard to the future of Jesus Chris and the attention of the three figures emphasises this somewhat. The immediate reaction to the painting is that traditionally, Jesus and Christianity in general, is associated with eastern culture – Jerusalem, Israel etc. However, in this painting, the setting appears to be that of an Italian countryside – clearly in keeping with the Italian painter’s roots, but somewhat out of context for the story of Jesus.
The painting’s format is of oil paint on panel and transferred to canvas. The effect of this is that the painting’s colours are bold and bright, indicating that it is a happy scene betwixt a mother and her baby. The artist’s use of lines is clearly done to demonstrate the parallel existence of the sky (and, as a consequence, the heavens) and the earth where currently, the baby Jesus is frolicking. This is a careful juxtaposition which enables the artist to discuss Jesus’ fate and his purpose for being on Earth, as redemption for God’s people – an idea which is further highlighted by the emphasis placed on the cross. The artists use of colour is subtle but bold – Mary is portrayed in her traditional blue robes whilst John’s clothing is seemingly non-descript and unimportant. Jesus is naked and this again is deliberately done to enhance the concept of his vulnerability on Earth. The artist has deliberately created the background in dreary greens and browns to draw the viewers’ attention solely to the brighter scene in the foreground.
The artist’s form is unique here as he chooses to create the scene in a rounded shape and this, presumably, is to tie in with the image of the Earth and of Jesus’ fate to repent for the sinners of the planet. If the painting represents the planet then Jesus’ placement is not accidental as he is a central figure and the painting is composed in such a way that the attention is immediately drawn towards him in a natural state, clutching the cross and holding the attention of both Mary and John the Baptist. The individuals are placed in such a way that they are slightly to the left, although Mary’s robes are designed to balance this out more in terms of the overall image. The effect of this balance is to further centralise the image of the baby Jesus and the cross – holding the attention of the viewer for the sole purpose of the painting’s meaning. It is also important to note that Jesus is placed on Mary’s lap whilst John is more left out from her affections, signifying the importance of the baby Jesus and perhaps commenting on the over-developed love Mary held for Jesus over John.
The painting’s focal area is the baby Jesus. Absolutely everything is done to draw the viewers’ eyes immediately to his form and his action of clutching the cross. The artist has deliberately done this as his message is clearly concerned with the fate of Jesus and his purpose on Earth: the bold colours of the three figures, the juxtaposition of the earth and sky, the uninteresting colouring of the background scenery, the central position of Jesus and his being placed on Mary’s lap – elevating him above the ground, are all designed to make him the absolute focal point of the painting. Even Mary and John are looking into towards him, whilst all three characters are looking at the cross – the eternal symbol of Jesus Chris and Christianity. Although the immediate focus is on Jesus, upon examining his form and the direction of his gaze, the viewer’s eye is drawn across the painting to the cross and joins the three figures in examining it in detail. This is deliberately done to draw attention to the fate of Jesus – the painting’s ultimate meaning.
Sanzio has created a sense of depth to the painting by bothering to create a background scene. Although he has not used bright colours or made it of particular interest, its purpose is to demonstrate that Jesus is on Earth and contrast it with the cross which will eventually return him to the heavens and his father, God. The background, as previously discussed, represents the earthy and heavenly realms of which Jesus rules both. The background scenery doubles up as a way of adding depth to the painting as well.
The overall effect of this painting is to make a clear comment about Jesus’ role on Earth – the cross, representative of his future crucifixion for the sins of the human race, the focus of all three figures on said cross, are all designed to evoke an emotional, somewhat religious response in the viewer. For me, the painting’s many layers aid its meaning and draws my attention in immediately to the naked form of the baby Jesus – his vulnerability starkly contrasted with the strength and position he holds in the frame.
References
Phelan, J. (2004). The Alba Madonna by Raphael. Retrieved from http://www.artcyclopedia.com/advent/feature-2002-12-day24.html
