Artwork
Madonna and Child with Tobias and the Angel Raphael
Madonna and Child with Tobias and the Angel Raphael is an unspecified painting by the Early Renaissance artist Francesco Botticini. It dates from 1470 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created circa 1470 by Florentine painter Francesco Botticini, this panel presents a devotional scene typical of the Early Renaissance. The work is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection and illustrates a quiet, balanced grouping of holy figures against a modest landscape.
Subject & Meaning
At the centre stands the Virgin Mary, clothed in a dark mantle over a red garment, cradling the infant Christ. To her left, the archangel Raphael accompanies the young Tobias, who holds a fish—a symbolic element from the biblical Book of Tobit that signifies healing and divine guidance.
Technique & Style
Botticini employs a restrained palette of blues, reds, and earth tones, using soft lighting to model the figures and suggest depth. The composition is organized around a central axis, creating a harmonious equilibrium that invites contemplative viewing.
History & Provenance
The painting has remained in private and institutional hands before entering the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is displayed as part of the museum’s Renaissance holdings. Its attribution to Botticini is based on stylistic analysis consistent with his known oeuvre.
Context
The work reflects the period’s emphasis on intimate, humanized holy subjects, aligning with contemporary devotional practices in Florence. The inclusion of Tobias and the fish links the image to the apocryphal narrative of Tobit, a theme popular among patrons seeking intercessory protection.
Artist & collection
Artist
Francesco Botticini (real name Francesco di Giovanni, 1446 – 16 January 1498) was an Italian painter of the Early Renaissance.
