The Sistine Madonna

The last of Raphael's Madonnas completed by his own hands, The Sistine Madonna was painted around 1513-1514. The painting is said to have been commissioned by the Benedictine monks of the monastery of Saint-Sixte, in Piacenza, while they were visiting Julius II who was celebrating the departure of the French army from Italy. Raphaël is commissioned to paint the altarpiece of the high altar of the church of Saint-Sixte.

In 1754, the painting was sold to Augustus III of Saxony who exhibited it in his collection in Dresden. The original in the church was then replaced by a copy by Giuseppe Nogari. After the Second World War, the painting was taken with other paintings from the museum as spoils of war to Moscow, where it remained until 1955. In the spring of 1955, the Soviet authorities agreed to return the paintings, and exhibited them free of charge at the population for 90 days before sending them back to Dresden.

*colour may slightly vary to images

Product Details:

• Colours: Original
• Composition: 100% silk
• Weaving: Chiffon (sheer)
• Made in Lyon, France
• Dimensions: 40 x 140cm