The artwork, titled “Madonna and Child with St. Anne” and created by Caravaggio in 1606, is an oil painting on canvas that exemplifies the Baroque and Tenebrism movements. The painting, measuring 292 by 211 centimeters, belongs to the genre of religious art and is currently housed in the Borghese Gallery in Rome, Italy.
In the artwork, Caravaggio masterfully employs tenebrism, a technique characterized by stark contrasts between light and dark, to highlight the central figures. The composition features the Madonna in a red garment, tenderly supporting the Child, who is depicted standing and partially undressed. St. Anne stands beside them, garbed in a more muted, earth-toned attire. The Child’s foot is positioned over a serpent, symbolizing the triumph over evil. The figures are illuminated dramatically against a predominantly dark background, enhancing the emotional and spiritual intensity of the scene. The use of chiaroscuro not only defines the physical forms of the figures but also imbues the painting with a profound sense of depth and realism.
