In this important Venetian painting of the High Renaissance, the Madonna
and Child are represented in a beautiful landscape surrounded by four
saints; at the left St. Michael and St. Dorothea, at the right St. Joseph
(probably) and St. Mary Magdalene. Such scenes are called in Italian
“sante conversazioni,” or sacred conversations, and were especially
popular in Palma’s time. This artist, one of the great masters of the
Venetian school, was called il Vecchio, or the elder, to distinguish him
from his grand-nephew who was called Palma the younger. Three periods of
development may be noted in Palma’s work. The first is called Bellinesque,
when Palma was still influenced by Giovanni Bellini. In his second
period, Giorgione’s influence was dominant. The so-called blond manner
characterized his third period. The fascinating landscape of our painting
calls to mind the influence of Giorgione, but the wholesome well-being
that radiates from this goodly company of saints reminds one more of
Titian than of Giorgione. Palma enjoyed the beautiful luxurious things of
life, he delighted in rich amplitude of form, in splendid glowing color,
in the health and sanity of happy men and women; and to his vision he gave
the permanency of supreme craftsmanship. Our painting, given in memory of
James S. Bell by his son, was formerly in the Rangoni Collection of
Modena.
[Stucco Relief. Workshop of Antonio Rossellino]