Artwork
Madonna of the rose
Madonna of the rose is an oil painting by the Mannerist artist Parmigianino. It dates from 1529 and is held in the collection of the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden.
About this work
Overview
Madonna of the Rose is a 1529 oil painting by Parmigianino, characterized by refined, elongated forms typical of the Mannerist style. The composition features the Virgin Mary, the Christ Child, and an additional youthful figure.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a contemplative Mary, dressed in white with gold accents, holding a rose and gently guiding the Christ Child, who holds a globe. The scene conveys a sense of serene intimacy, with Mary's downward gaze contrasting the Child's direct, calm engagement with the viewer.
Technique & Style
Parmigianino's Mannerist approach is evident in the elongated figures, delicate features, and the subtle, expressive use of color against a muted, dark background with hints of red and orange.
History & Provenance
Created during Parmigianino's active period in major Italian cities, the painting is now part of the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister collection.
Context
As a leading first-generation Mannerist painter, Parmigianino's work reflects the stylistic shift from the High Renaissance, emphasizing emotional depth and unusual composition.
Legacy
Madonna of the Rose remains a notable example of Mannerist painting, influencing subsequent artistic movements with its distinctive figural distortions and emotional subtlety.
Artist & collection
Artist
Girolamo Francesco Maria Mazzola (11 January 1503 – 24 August 1540), also known as Francesco Mazzola or, more commonly, as Parmigianino (UK: , US: , Italian: ; "the little one from Parma"), was an Italian Mannerist…
