The Sistine Madonna in the Royal Gallery at Dresden, Saxony Essay

The Sistine bloody shame in the Royal G each(prenominal)ery at Dresden, SaxonyThe most beautiful picture in the world is the Sistine Madonna in theRoyal Gallery at Dresden, Saxony. It was painted by Raphael as analtar-piece for a church in Piacenza, Italy. In a far time out of thegreat Palace of Art it is now placed, probably to remain until the modify shall fade. It is the only picture in the room. The figures areof life size. When that room is entered all voices are hushed, and allmerriment silenced. The place is as holy as a church.In the centre of the canvas is the Virgin Mother with a young, almostgirlish face or surpassing loveliness. In her eye affection andwonder are blended, and the features and the figure are the most sacred and beautiful in the worlds art.I have wondered where Raphael found that face. It is not sexy alike the Italian, nor heavy like the German, nor light like theFrench, nor cold like the women of more northern nations. It is theideal womans face for all nations and ages, and yet it is ordinary ofnone.In the Mothers arms is the Divine Child, with those strange,far-away-looking eyes that casual visitors so humble understandeyesthat even in babyhood seem tuition the future, and beginning to seethe greatness of the worlds sorrow. Kneeling on one side, downstairs them,is St. Sixtus, the nearest perfect of all pictures of strong andvenerable age that was perpetually painted on the other side Santa Barbara,only less beautif...