Virgin and Child with St John 

Mariotto Albertinelli created this painting, Virgin and Child with St John, using oil on panel. The figures emerge from a darkened background, bathed in a soft light that emphasizes their rounded forms. The Madonna’s face is serene, her gaze lowered in a gesture of humility, a figure of idealized beauty. Albertinelli organizes the composition into a pyramidal structure, with the Virgin's head at the apex and the figures of the two children anchoring the base. This arrangement lends a sense of stability. The sfumato technique, with delicate gradations of light and shadow, blurs the outlines, softening the overall effect. Notice how he uses colour - the reds and blues of the Madonna's robes contrast with the pale flesh tones of the infants, creating a visual harmony that draws the eye. The artwork's composition and the figures’ placement invite contemplation and introspection. It captures the Renaissance interest in mathematical harmony and classical ideals, with a touch of emotional depth.