Michelangelo BUONAROTI
Painter, Sculptor and Architect of Florence
(1475-1564)

Name: Irene Imbrogno
Date: 2002-05-22
Comments: The Medici Madonna,is different from Michelangelo's previous Madonnas.She is quite tall
and her facial features are very refined,almost angular.She is holding a squirming child on her lap,with legs crossed.The child is very active,depicting a great energy,while His Mother
looks doleful and reflective.In this respect,she shares the thoughtful melancholy with Michelangelo's previous Madonnas.
The Child is definately trying to get his Mother's attention.This sculpture shows a lovely Mother and Child connection.

Name: Reggie Wagstaff
Date: 2004-01-05
Comments: Irene,
You must be sniffing glue if you think that the Medici Madonna is "quite tall". Go to St. Peter's in Rome, turn right into the first chapel, then look at the Pieta. That Madonna, if she could stand, would be about nine feet tall. Although stunningly beautiful, she is wildly out of proportion. Secondly, you think that the facial features of the Medici Madonna are "very refined"? The statue's face is barely finished so there is no polish to the marble, no sheen. If, by "refined", you mean that the features of the person are delicate, again you should look at the St. Peter's Pieta. On your point that the Madonna is doleful & reflective, I agree with you. Perhaps she is prescient, aware of the great sacrifice her son will make. Whatever the message, yes the Madonna is pensive. Of course, we don't have many Madonnas that are laughing. And speaking of proportions, how about a comment on the Herculean stature of the Christ-child? Or, didn't you notice? Well, God loves you because you try. Best Regards, Reggie