Sequence of madonnas in Raphael paintings

Raphael painted a succession of Madonnas that took the Renaissance world by storm. It is believed their composition was influenced by the workings of Leonardo da Vinci, whom he met when he moved to Florence. Let’s take a look at the little Cowper Madonna its soft and gentle contours and perfection of balance. It has frequently been noted to resemble some of Leonardo’s paintings of the subject.

Madonna of the Chair was painted more than ten years later, but also reflects the sweetness and harmony that are identified with Raphael’s style, although we can definitely see delicate changes in the facial composition. This exacting work is considered the most popular of all Raphael’s Madonnas and was probably painted for Pope Leo X, or a member of the powerful Medici family.