I think the angels on the left side of the canvas (at Mary’s right side) who are softly reading from a scroll together are beautifully rendered. Their flowing, colourful robes and serene expressions really showcase Michelangelo’s incredible skill at rendering fabric and human form, even way back around 1497 when he was just starting his career.
The exposed breast is actually the symbolic motif of The Madonna Lactans.
This was from the National Gallery.
I've never seen this painting listed as one of Michelangelo's but apparently (at least according to Wikipedia) "most scholars" in the 21st century attribute it to him, after a long period of controversy. It does have its charms despite its unfinished state.
ReplyDeleteIt's a remarkable painting. As you say, extraordinary skill with fabric and human form. Mary looks wonderfully serene. I wonder what was on the scroll - some sacred text presumably.
ReplyDeleteI suppose unfinished work is fairly rare, yet, that part of the painting that is finished is beautifully done.
ReplyDelete