Madonna in Glory with Saint Francis by Tiziano Vecellio

Español

Madonna Gozzi. Virgin Mary in glory with the infant Jesus surrounded by angels, with St. Francis, st. Alvisus and the donor, kneeling, Luigi Gozzi (1520).

This altarpiece presents the Virgin Mary enthroned in heavenly glory, holding the Christ Child in her arms. They are elevated on a richly draped throne, with two small angels above lifting a large cloth of honor, emphasizing their divine status. Mary’s expression is serene and maternal, while the Christ Child looks outward, raising his hand in a gentle gesture of blessing.

Below them, on the left, stands St. Francis of Assisi, identifiable by his brown habit, the knotted cord at his waist, and the faint marks of the stigmata on his hands. He looks upward with deep devotion toward the Virgin and Child. On the opposite side stands a bishop saint, traditionally understood as St. Blaise (San Biagio), though the donor’s name (Alvise or Luigi Gozzi) sometimes leads to his association with St. Louis/Alvise. The saint is dressed in episcopal robes and holds a bishop’s crozier, his calm gesture suggesting intercession and protection.

Kneeling at the bottom right is the donor, Luigi (Alvise) Gozzi, shown in prayerful reverence. His presence indicates both patronage and personal devotion, linking earthly faith with the heavenly scene above. The composition demonstrates a classic Renaissance balance: the divine realm elevated and luminous, and the human world grounded and humble, yet closely connected through the mediation of the saints.

Philip II (1527-1598) was the only son of Charles V and Isabella of Portugal. In 1551, following his lineage, he became regent of Spain after his father's abdication. Titian portrays the prince, aged dressed in a magnificent set of luxuriously decorated armor. The whiteness of his skin corresponds to his white stockings and the greenish gold shine of his armor. In this way, the prince's pale complexion appears more distinguished.

Oil on canvas 312 x 215 cm. Museum: Museo Civico (Ancona, Italy)

Get this image, now on sale

This image is a public domain image, which means either that copyright has expired in the image or the copyright holder has waived their copyright. Franciscan Gallery charges for the access to high resolution copy of the image. Manually restoration was necessary in order to improve quality, without covering the original image.