Madonna of The Yarnwinder

Madonna Of The Yarnwinder

The Madonna of the Yarnwinder (Madonna dei Fusi) is a subject depicted by Leonardo da Vinci in a painting begun in 1499 or some time later. Leonardo was documented as being at work on the original picture in Florence in 1501. Its patron was Florimond Robertet, the Secretary of State to King Louis XII of France. It is known today from several versions, two of which are thought to be partly by his hand.

The composition shows Virgin Mary with the Christ child, who looks longingly at a yarnwinder used to collect spun yarn. The yarnwinder serves as a symbol both of Mary's domesticity and the Cross on which Christ was crucified, and may also suggest the Fates, understood in classical mythology as spinners.