Medici Madonna

The Medici Madonna is a famous marble sculpture carved by one of the most well known Italian Renaissance artist, Michelangelo Buonarroti and was created between the years of 1521 and 1534 in Florence. The sculpture was originally part of the Medici tombs between the Cosmas and Damian statues over the tomb of Lorenzo the Magnificent. It is now located at the San Lorenzo Basilica sitting at the altar of the one of the largest churches in Florence, Italy the Sagrestia Nuova.

Michelangelo was fascinated with the Virgin Mary with child theme and it was clearly presented in the majority of his art. The Medici Madonna shows the Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus. The detail in the face and body is impeccable. Michelangelo made sure that the people viewing were able to sense the emotion on the Virgin Mary’s face. The baby’s body shows strength in which the artist wanted to depict his future. Even though the sculpture remains incomplete, we cannot fail see the connection between mother and child.

The Medici dynasty commissioned several art pieces for the Basiclica de San Lorenzo. To work on the tombs of Giuliano and Lorenzo de Medici, Michelangelo joined the project. The Medici family was one of the most powerful and influential people during the Italian Renaissance when it came to art and religion. The most Iconic and beautiful art were scattered throughout the Medici chapels from many famous artists including Michelangelo.

History.com Editors. “The Medici Family.” History, A&E Television Networks, 9 Nov. 2009, https://www.history.com/topics/renaissance/medici-family

Matisse, Henrie. Medici Madonna, by Michelangelo. Michelangel Paintings, Sculptures, Biography , https://www.michelangelo.org/medici-madonna.jsp

“Medici Madonna.” Medici Madonna by Michelangelo, http://www.michelangelo.net/medici-madonna/

“Michelangelo & The Medici.” International Opulence Magazine, http://www.internationalopulence.com/michelangelo-the-medici/