Madonna of Senigallia with Child and Two Angels 1470

Piero della Francesca painted this oil on panel called “Madonna of Senigallia with Child and Two Angels” during the Italian Renaissance. It’s a devotional image, but the setting feels domestic, as if it represents an actual mother and child in a 15th-century Italian home. The painting encourages us to consider the role of women in Renaissance society. The Virgin Mary was often portrayed as a symbol of purity and motherhood, but della Francesca's depiction is more grounded. What does the image suggest about the ideal role of women in the domestic sphere and religious life? Consider how the Virgin’s serene face, the symmetry of the composition, and the cool palette create a sense of order and stability. Does this reflect the social and political values of the time? To fully appreciate this work, we can look to social and cultural histories from Renaissance Italy. Such investigations help us interpret the values and beliefs that shaped della Francesca's artistic vision.