Raphael’s Esterhazy Madonna: A Masterpiece on Display in London

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Raphael’s *Esterhazy Madonna*, a key painting from Budapest, is currently featured at London’s Royal Academy of Arts in the exhibition *Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael: Florence, c. 1504*. The work, dated 1508, marks a vital period in Raphael’s career. This exhibition runs until February 16, 2025, providing a look into interactions among Raphael, Michelangelo, and da Vinci during a pivotal moment in art history.

Raphael’s renowned Esterhazy Madonna from Budapest’s Museum of Fine Arts is currently showcased at the Royal Academy of Arts in London. As part of the exhibition Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael: Florence, c. 1504, it highlights the Renaissance’s greatest artists. The Esterhazy Madonna, dating back to 1508, though incomplete, exemplifies Raphael’s stylistic elegance. Its journey from Italy to Hungary is remarkable, having been gifted by Pope Clement XI and eventually sold to the Hungarian state in 1865. The exhibition, running until February 16, 2025, explores the interactions among the trio of artists during a pivotal moment in art history, including Michelangelo’s David and Leonardo’s Mona Lisa.

Raphael’s *Esterhazy Madonna*, an influential Renaissance painting, reflects artistic advancements in the early 16th century. This exhibition allows viewers to appreciate not only the artwork itself but also the historical context in which Raphael, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci created their masterworks. The convergence of these artists during 1504 in Florence was instrumental in shaping Western art, making this exhibition significant for art enthusiasts and historians alike.

The showcase of Raphael’s *Esterhazy Madonna* at the Royal Academy allows a global audience to experience this Hungarian treasure alongside works by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, deepening the understanding of Renaissance art’s impact. The exhibition not only highlights the painting’s artistic qualities but also provides insights into the dynamics of the artists involved during a defining era of art history.

Original Source: hungarytoday.hu