Madonna of the Chair - Raphael Morghen

A masterful engraving by Raphael Morghen after the iconic Madonna della Seggiola by Raphael, capturing the tender composition in fine detail.

This engraving by Raphael Morghen reproduces the famous tondo painting by Raphael Sanzio, known as the Madonna della Seggiola. Morghen, a master of the burin, translates the soft, rounded forms of the original Renaissance composition into a precise system of lines and cross-hatching. The circular format, or tondo, dictates the arrangement of the figures, with the Virgin Mary cradling the Christ Child while the young John the Baptist looks on from the side.

Morghen captures the tender interaction between mother and child, maintaining the intimacy of the original work despite the technical constraints of the engraving process. The drapery, the textures of the fabric, and the subtle modelling of the faces demonstrate the high level of skill required for such a reproduction. The print includes the original dedication and the coat of arms of the patron, General Manfredini, which provides historical context regarding the print's circulation among the European elite during the late eighteenth century.

As a reproductive printmaker, Morghen was highly regarded for his ability to convey the spirit of Old Master paintings to a wider audience. This work reflects the period's fascination with classical composition and the preservation of Italian Renaissance masterpieces through the medium of print. The tonal range achieved through the varying density of the engraved lines creates a sense of depth and volume, allowing the figures to emerge from the dark background. This piece is a fine example of the technical rigour applied to printmaking in the late eighteenth century, where the goal was to achieve a faithful translation of light, shadow, and form.