Raphael: The Sistine Madonna (1512)

(Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, Dresden, Germany)

A masterpiece in Western art, created by Raphael. The painting has which moved people since its creation. Central on the painting is a Madonna (= Mary with the child Jesus). On the left we can see Saint Pope Sixtus II and on the right is Saint Barbara. At the bottom, there are two cherubs which perhaps is the most famous part of this painting and have inspired an entire souvenir industry of their own. The painting was commissioned by Pope Julius II for the Benedictine basilica in Piacenza in honour of Pope Sixtus IV (hence the name the Sistine Madonna). Painting from 1512.