Madonna della Rosa (Detail) Round Framed Canvas

Most commonly attributed to the Italian artist Raphael, this oil painting of Madonna della Rosa – “Madonna of the Rose” – from the 16th century depicts the humanity of the Holy Family, this particular zoom focusing on the gaze and expression of Mary and Jesus. The Virgin Mary holds a bare Child Jesus, who is playfully pulling a scroll (assumed to proclaim “Ecce Agnus Dei,” “Behold the Lamb of God) from young St. John the Baptist. All eyes of the Holy Family are upon John, who is paving the way for the Salvation of Christ with a reed cross in his hand. However, an onlooker’s gaze is drawn back to Jesus, through the extension of John and Jesus’ arms, and ultimately rests on the scroll that they both hold on to. The painting receives its title from the singular rose on the table at the bottom of the scene. Humorously enough, through x-rays and research, the rose has been found to be an addition to the original painting. It is currently on display in the