Giovanni Antonio Boltraffio
We present today's painting thanks to the Poldi Pezzoli Museum, where until 10 February 2020 you can visit the Leonardo and the Litta Madonna exhibition. In the exhibition are 20 extraordinary artworks (ten paintings, nine drawings, and a woodcut) made by Leonardo and his pupils between 1490 and 1510.
Giovanni Antonio Boltraffio was one of the first, and perhaps the most interesting, follower of Leonardo da Vinci, after the latter moved to Milan in 1482. His training within Leonardo's workshop is evident in this painting from the end of the 1480s, which perhaps was even made on the basis of drawings by Leonardo himself.
The strong influence of the Tuscan master informs the composition, particularly with respect to the postures of the Child and the Virgin, whose movements are connected and opposing. This sense of restrained energy characterizes the work of Leonardo and his pupils.
The Virgin's dress, depicted with great realism, bears a flower motif. This includes the drawing of a thistle, which symbolizes the redemption of mankind through Jesus' passion. The other flowers in the painting also have a symbolic value according to contemporary religious iconography. The jasmine, close to Mary's hand, is traditionally one of the Virgin's attributes, while the rose on the bottom left also alludes to Christ's Passion. Indeed, the whole image could be read as an allusion to Christ's sacrifice. The sad expression of the Virgin, alongside the serious and conscious gaze of the Child, also confirm this idea. A beautiful study on light blue paper (also by Boltraffio) for the drapery of the mantle that falls from the Virgin’s right shoulder to the windowsill, is at the Christ Church College in Oxford.
This painting, bought by Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli in 1864, is considered one of the Lombard masterpieces of the 15th century.
P.S. Check the eleven things you might not know about Leonardo da Vinci here!