22 nov 1504 - Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saints

Description:

The Madonna and child are larger than is traditional in paintings of this type, and the clothing and arrangement is atypical. The Madonna wears a red gown, symbolizing the passion of the Christ. Her blue mantle represents the fact that she is Queen of Heaven, and her throne further represents this, as well as the majesty of the Catholic Church. St. Peter and St. Paul were both apostles, and St. Helen and St. Catherine were both saints of royal birth. St. Helen discovered the true cross on which Jesus was crucified, and St. Catherine carries the symbol of Christian martyrs. John the Baptist is also pictured as an infant, and is also fully clothed.