The Madonna and child was a popular subject
for Botticelli from the beginning of his career.
Some of his earliest recognized works depict
this sacred subject. Perhaps the most famous
is the 1483 tondo known as the “Madonna of
the Magnificat,” which subtly reflects the in-
novations in Botticelli’s artistic vision. Some
aspects of the painting nod to tradition: The
blue of Mary’s garb symbolizes loyalty, while
the red of her dress, and the fruit held by the
Christ child, represent Jesus’ coming Passion.
The Madonna is depicted with naturalness and
grace, reflecting the regard for humanism of
the times. In many works, Mary is shown read-
ing, but here Botticelli has depicted her writ-
ing. She pens a passage from the Gospel of
Luke—the Magnificat, or Mary’s Song. Its first
line runs: Magnificat anima mea Dominum, “My
soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,” and
Botticelli has chosen to emphasize humility
before God by having Jesus’ hand rest on the
word humilitas in the book.DEVOTIONALS
“MADONNA WITH CHILD”
(CIRCA 1480). GALLERIA
SABAUDA, TURIN, ITALY
ABOVE AND RIGHT: SCALA, FLORENCE