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The "Madonna Litta" is a delicate and radiant painting depicting the Madonna, tenderly holding the Christ Child. The composition is strikingly intimate, with the Virgin Mary presented in half-length. Clad in a rich, blue garment with a deep neckline, she cradles the infant Jesus who suckles at her breast. This act symbolizes both maternal care and the nourishment of spiritual sustenance.

The Madonna's gaze is serene and contemplative, evoking a sense of deep tranquility and divine contentment. Her head is adorned with a delicate veil, and she wears a kind of diadem that serves to highlight her sanctity. The Christ Child is robust and healthy, a cherubic figure, nude save for a simple cloth draped around his middle.

The background of "Madonna Litta" is also of great interest. It features a pair of arched windows set against a dark backdrop, offering glimpses of a distant landscape. Da Vinci's adept use of sfumato — the technique of allowing tones and colors to shade gradually into one another — is evident in the soft transitions of light and shadow on the faces of Madonna and Child, adding a lifelike and three-dimensional quality to their forms.

1. Location: The original "Madonna Litta" is housed in the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia. It became part of the Hermitage's collection in 1865.

2. Artist: Leonardo da Vinci is one of the quintessential Renaissance men, renowned not only for his masterpieces in painting but also for his contributions to anatomy, engineering, and a multitude of other fields. Born on April 15, 1452, in Vinci, Italy, Leonardo's approach to art was deeply intertwined with his scientific inquiries and systematic observations of nature.

3. Artistic Career and Movements:
- The "Madonna Litta" is believed to have been painted around 1490-91, during the period when Leonardo was associated with the court of Ludovico Sforza in Milan. Although the authorship has been debated, majority consensus affirms Leonardo’s significant involvement in its creation.
- Leonardo’s work during this period was marked by his evolving techniques in chiaroscuro and atmospheric perspective, both of which are employed masterfully in "Madonna Litta."
- This painting fits into the High Renaissance movement, characterized by a heightened sense of emotion, precise anatomy, and complex compositions, all presented with grace and beauty.

4. Noteworthy Details:
- The "Madonna Litta" is notable for demonstrating Leonardo's skill in painting human emotion and expression. The tender interaction between mother and child encapsulates maternal devotion.
- Some art historians suggest that Leonardo may have had assistance from his studio on this painting, yet the exceptional quality of execution indicates Leonardo's direct influence.
- The Madonna's hands are rendered with exquisite delicacy and precision, a testament to Leonardo's meticulous attention to anatomical accuracy.
- The warm, tempera medium contrasts with Leonardo’s later preference for oil, hinting at his transitional experimentation with materials and techniques during this phase of his career.

In sum, the "Madonna Litta" is a luminous gem of the Italian Renaissance, embodying Leonardo da Vinci's profound ability to fuse beauty, emotional depth, and technical brilliance. Its presence in the Hermitage Museum offers a glimpse into the genius of one of history's most remarkable polymaths.