Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age. - Simple, elegant design - Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface - Handmade by specialist picture framers - FSC certified off-white mat / window mount - Delivered ready for hanging

The "Benois Madonna," also known as the "Madonna and Child," is a sublime example of Leonardo da Vinci’s skill and innovation during the early Renaissance period. This painting, executed in oil on a wooden panel, captures a tender and intimate moment between the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child.

At first glance, the viewer is drawn to the interplay of light and shadow, a technique known as chiaroscuro, which Leonardo skillfully employs to enhance the three-dimensional effect of the figures. The Virgin Mary, seated and slightly turned, holds the Christ Child on her lap.

Virgin Mary:
Mary is depicted with a serene and loving expression, her eyes gently fixed on the Child. Her hair is delicately veiled, cascading in soft, natural waves that frame her youthful face. She is garbed in a flowing blue mantle, symbolizing purity and divinity, over a rich red robe, indicative of maternal warmth and compassion.

Christ Child:
The infant Jesus, engaged in an innocent play, holds a small flower—perhaps a cruciferous plant symbolizing the Passion. His chubby hand grasps the stem delicately while he gazes back at Mary with an expression of curiosity and trust. The Child's form is remarkably detailed, capturing the supple and lifelike texture of a baby's skin.

Background:
Unlike many Renaissance paintings that feature detailed landscapes or architectural elements in the background, the "Benois Madonna" emphasizes the figures themselves, set against a neutral, somewhat indistinct background that fades into darkness. This minimalist backdrop places the viewer's focus entirely on the interaction between Mary and Jesus.

Leonardo's use of color is both subtle and masterful. He employs a limited but rich palette, with naturalistic hues that reflect the lighting and contours of the figures. The delicate interplay of light and shadow not only adds depth but also infuses the scene with an ethereal quality, highlighting the divine nature of the subjects. The painter’s meticulous application of oils allows for soft transitions and a lifelike representation of flesh and cloth.

Museum and Location:
The original "Benois Madonna" is housed in the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia. It is an invaluable piece within the museum's expansive collection of Renaissance art.

Leonardo da Vinci:
Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) was a polymath whose contributions to art, science, and engineering have left an indelible mark on Western culture. The "Benois Madonna" is believed to have been painted circa 1478-1482, during Leonardo’s early period. It represents one of his earliest known works focusing on the Madonna and Child theme, a recurring subject throughout his career.

Artistic Movements and Career:
This painting is a quintessential example of the High Renaissance style, marked by idealized beauty, balanced composition, and an observational approach to nature. Leonardo's work on the "Benois Madonna" reflects his deepening exploration of human anatomy, emotional expression, and the use of light to create spatial depth—all hallmarks of his later masterpieces like "The Last Supper" and "Mona Lisa."

Noteworthy Details:
1. Innovative Approach: The informality and spontaneity in the interaction between Mary and Jesus highlighted Leonardo's departure from the more rigid and static compositions of earlier periods.
2. Artistic Influence: The "Benois Madonna" showcases Leonardo’s influence by and contribution to the realistic portrayal of human figures, a technique that would inspire countless artists during the Renaissance and beyond.
3. Symbolism: The delicate flower held by Jesus symbolizes future sacrifice, a reminder of the theological implications often interwoven with Renaissance art.

In summary, the "Benois Madonna" exemplifies Leonardo da Vinci's emerging genius in his early years, laying the groundwork for his later works. Its emotional depth, technical precision, and artistic elegance make it a key piece in understanding his development and the broader Renaissance movement.