Expert: Rebecca Curran - 11/16/2004

Question
Hi! I'm looking to find out more about the painting, Madonna Enthroned with Angels by Raffaellino del Garbo.  Please forgive me if this piece's provenace is not Italy, because I am not quite sure of its origins.  Also, if you are able to tell me, I would like to know who the figures are standing around and below the Madonna.  Finally, any hidden symbolism, or any details would be a great help!  Thank you.

Answer
My task here is to help people out who are stuck with research and general knowledge. There are alot of symbols in this particular painting you are lookin into.. that is if I am thinking of the right one..

http://search.famsf.org:8080/view.shtml?record=64740&=list&=1&=&=And

You need to find out which saint picked a thorn from a lions foot and, Which saint is depicted with a book and quil. Perhaps the artist was also making a tie to Marys family line dating back the David, his line is symbolized by the lion. The lily that Mary holds is a symbol of her purity. Find out why there is no landscape in the background.. perhaps due to Garbos homeland or influence of other painters (Venetian), or was it to place the scene in a tower. Mary has been depicted in a tower before because she is the focal point of the Church in the Roman Catholic religion. This leeds to some bell towers being named after her. The open book is a symbol to Mary. She is the parton saint of learning. I have know idea what the red hat is. perhaps look into a sign and symbols book for that one. The scallop shell above Mary bacame very popular in the Renaissance era due to their interest in the classical past. Often they are seen around Mary because of the links to Venus.

Hope this helps you out a bit
www.rebeccacurran.ca