Madonna di Loreto
c. 1604-1606 Basilica di Sant'Agostino, Rome
About this artwork
The artwork, an oil on canvas, was commissioned for the Cavalletti Chapel in the Basilica di Sant'Agostino in Rome. It depicts the Virgin Mary presenting the Christ Child to two kneeling pilgrims, emphasizing humility and devotion.
Did you know?
Caravaggio's "Madonna of Loreto" caused quite a stir upon its unveiling due to its stark realism. Instead of an idealized Virgin, he depicted a young, natural woman, and the pilgrims with dirty feet, a detail that shocked many contemporary viewers who expected a more refined portrayal of sacred figures. This controversial approach, however, brought a powerful human element to religious art, making the divine more relatable to the common people.
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Madonna di Loreto
Michelangelo da Caravaggio, c. 1604-1606
