ROYAL ACADEMY EXHIBITS MICHELANGELO, DA VINCI AND RAPHAEL ALONG WITH OTHER GREATS OF THAT ERA. (1500’s) UP TO FEBRUARY 16 2025

Now you can venture to see a collection of originals which includes a large collection of pen and ink drawings covering figures looking lithe and toned, as well as horses imaginatively finely sketched to the hilt. Also included in the relatively small (for the Royal Academy) exhibition  are awe inspiring oils framed in breathtaking magnificent  frames of the Virgin and Child, the Virgin with Saint Anne and child and Saint John the Baptist – spend some time taking in how wonderfully these lively fine art oil paintings have been meticulously preserved over the centuries.

1506 -08 was when The Virgin and Child with St Anne and Infant St John the Baptist (The Burlington House Cartoon) was sketched on a huge piece of paper which was then fastened to a piece of canvas and imaginatively framed.  Frames play a big part in the “drama” of the show which incidentally is dimly lit as it preserves these precious works in good condition. This Da Vinci piece was purchased with a special grant and contributions from The Art Fund, The Pilgrim Trust and through a public appeal organised by The Art Fund, 1962. It is a huge piece executed using black ink on a plain background and there is convenient seating opposite so that you can take in the spirituality and “ancientness” element of this truly Christian reflection on Christ and the characters connected with him in the Bible not far after the nativity.  The Italian artists like some others worldwide have paid huge homage to the Virgin and Child and in this show as already mentioned St Anne (Mary’s mother) and Saint John The Baptist feature too.

No mention as far as I could see in this exhibition is made of an allegation that some of the artists of the time – two of whom came from Florence – were paid very lowly sums for their extensive work in art with the intention that they could not afford to travel abroad  and paint frescos and other artworks for the gentrification of countries other than Italy.

A matter of interest to regular visitors to the RA – this exhibition is comparatively “bite size” so do linger on every single artwork – no rushing round is needed! Some self portraits might have been welcome? ENJOY

Penny Nair