Blue Madonna– 8.5x11" – Carlo Dolci

I love the blue in this. I love the quietness and mystery of this picture. Mary is a mysterious personage in the Gospels; she doesn’t speak a lot, but she has a profound presence. Carlo Dolci was an Italian painter of the Baroque period. According to the Ringling Museum, where this work of art is housed, Dolci once stated his “firm intention to paint only works that would inspire the fruits of Christian piety in those who saw them.” He specialized in devotional works, and his works were extremely sought after during his lifetime. The museum says this about this painting: “The lush royal blue of this young Madonna’s robe, reminiscent of El Greco’s use of color to communicate spiritual life in his work, comprises most of the composition in this portrait. Beautiful in its simplicity with light from above is falling on her long narrow face, which appears to emerge supernaturally from the shadows of the rich blue fabric. Like Caravaggio and his followers, Dolci highlights the powerful presence of his subject and achieves a dramatic level of emotional engagement through contrasting light and dark in his work.”Carlo Dolci, 1616 –1686, FlorenceMedia: oil, canvas; Dimensions: 21” x 15.25”; Location: Ringling Museum, Sarasota, FloridaWe suggest a black or silver or gold or dark mahogany frame. If you use a matte, use a blue-gray matte. All our prints are a standard size, so you should have lots of good choices at your local Hobby Lobby or online. If you want us to frame it for you, convo us, and we'll make special arrangements for you so you'll get something you are happy with. 8.5 x 11 acid-free paper, printed with archival ink rated to last generations when kept dry and out of the direct sun. There is about an inch-and-a-third of white space around the picture. Cardboard backer. Enclosed in a tight-fitting, crystal clear bag. Comes with above story. IMPORTANT!!! The image is smaller than the paper. Standard size. If you would like us to frame it for you, please select a frame above, under "Size & Framing". Text and Image Alterations © Sue Kouma Johnson You might also be interested in original Catholic art and jewelry by me, Sue Kouma Johnson, available all over this shop! Thanks!