Madonna and Child with Angels, Saint Benedict, and Saint Scholastica 1629

Giulio Benso made this pen and brown ink with brown wash drawing called Madonna and Child with Angels, Saint Benedict, and Saint Scholastica some time in the 17th century. Benso was from Genoa, which, at the time, was under the influence of the Catholic Church and its artistic institutions. The image presents us with a clear hierarchy: the Madonna and Child are placed at the top of the steps, surrounded by angels, with Saint Benedict standing slightly lower, while another figure kneels at the very bottom. In its religious imagery, it illustrates the importance of faith and devotion within the culture. The inclusion of specific saints also gives us insight into the particular figures venerated within that time and place. What is striking is the under drawing with a grid, suggesting that this work was a study for a much larger, and no doubt, public, commission. Art historians can use sources like church records, biographies, and other documents to understand the patrons, the artistic networks, and the cultural context in which Benso was working. Ultimately, artworks like this offer a lens through which we can explore the complex interplay between art, religion, and society.