The Painting
Aldobrandini Madonna, one of several small and mid-size Madonnas painted by Raphael in Rome, was likely something he worked on in his spare time of projects for the Pope or members of his court. During this time period, Raphael was painting the Stanza della Segnatura, the first room in the Vatican Palace to receive Raphael and his workshop's frescoes.
Exploratory sketches of this and other Madonnas from 1509 to 1511 are found in Raphael's "pink sketch-book". It is one of several of Raphael's Madonna and Childs that uses a pyramidal composition.
The painting takes place within a room, with a backdrop of the Roman landscape through the windows. The dark pillar between the windows sets off the bright face of the Madonna who is seated on a bench, holding the Christ child to whom he shares a flower with infant John. The painting has also been referred to as Madonna del Giglio (of the dianthus or pink) for the flower that infant John gave to the infant Christ. In addition to the sweetness of the painting, it is well regarded for its grace, beauty and technical skill. Only the discreet ring halos imply anything other than a very human scene.
One topic of conversation has been that the folds of material around the Virgin's lap do not seem to indicate sufficient room for her legs.
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