Title: Madonna in Glory with Seraphim

Artist: Alessandro di Mariano di Vanni Filipepi (Sandro Botticelli), Italian

Year: 1470

Medium: Tempera on Panel.

Style: Early Renaissance; Religious painting.

Notes & Analysis of the Artwork

Monumental style figures.

Setting and scene are represented as so:

• Mary is enthroned on cloud in the glory of the seraphim.
  • Multiple angels are seen surrounding her like a crown.
• The Child Christ raises hand in blessing.
  • Focus on the gaze of his eyes looks directly at the viewer.
  • The cruciform nimbus surrounds his head.  
  • Foreshadows future biblical events.

Succession in the theme deliverance.

• Highlights the expression of tension.
• Sacred in sensitivity.
• Mary, fully aware of the passion her son will suffer.
• Holds him protectively in her arms.
• Mary’s gaze on Christ, Jesus’ gaze on the viewer.

Colors that deliver the theme’s ambiance.

The Red tells the story of a mother’s love.

• Wears it on the inside, closeted to her heart.
• Delivers affection, warmth, and passion.

The Black showcases protection.

• Covered over Mary.
• Showcases her desire to protect her child.
• Doesn’t dominate the painting, adds authority.

The Gold tells of devotion and positivity.

• Engulfs the surrounding of the paintings.
• Represents divine inclusion.
• Direct connection between the angels and baby Christ.