Snow Madonna

An order for a painting for the altar for the altar of St. Boniface in Siena Cathedral Sassetta received in 1430. In its central part, he portrayed the Madonna and Child with angels, surrounded by St. Francis, John the Baptist, the Apostles Peter and Paul. The most interesting part of the altar complex (see images below the altar) consider one of the works of the predella - it is known as "Snow Madonna". This picture is associated with a legend related to the history of the founding of the Roman temple of Santa Maria Maggiore. According to legend, on the day of laying the foundation of the temple, August 5, 356, snow fell in Rome. Living in a short period from horror to hope - waves of plague swept over Europe with an awful regularity of fate - Sassetta's contemporaries and customers greatly appreciated the good omens. Therefore, the "Snow Madonna" enjoyed special worship. In some magical way - apparently the contrast between open red and cool white - Sassetta managed to achieve the sensation of this incredible moment. The silence that came after the sign, silence such that you can hear them falling to the ground, a many-headed crowd, the robes of the clergy, the ground - snow flakes.

Posted by: Inga Esterkin