Description of the picture:
Madonna and Child, John the Baptist and Mary Magdalene – Andrea Mantegna. 1500. Tempera on canvas. 1.36×1.14
The enthusiasm of Mantegna for Antiquity and the canons of beauty of this period was most clearly reflected in its altar form “Madonna and Child, John the Baptist and Mary Magdalene.” The sculptural interpretation of the heroes is more clearly visible in their frozen poses and folds of clothing, as if carved from stone.
In the center of the picture is Mary, with all this, her image is devoid of any regality and sublimity. Young, with a young simple face, Our Lady, rather resembles a peasant woman. The baby on her hands is depicted alive, with an unusual turn of the body.
Along the edges from a red, scarlet chair with a geometrically regular canopy, are located John the Baptist and Mary Magdalene. In the hands of the first, the traditional paraphernalia is a cross with a twisted ribbon that predicts the fate of the newborn, namely about the lamb who atones for sins. The anointing vessel is in the hands of Magdalene – her gaze is fixed on the sky, her expression is concentrated and sad.
The background is a landscape with sharply contrasting colors – dark green foliage and blue sky. This color contrast creates a special mood, suggesting that consider this baby is already predetermined."