Compare And Contrast: The Alba Madonna And Deposition

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Compare and Contrast
October 16, 2011
Debra Pylypiw, Art 111-100-311

“The Alba Madonna” (1510) by Raphael
Approx. diameter 37 ¼ in. ; framed 54 x 53 ½ in.
Oil on panel transferred to canvas
National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C. Andrew W. Mellon Collection
Viewed in A World of Art (6th Edition) by Henry M. Sayre

“Deposition” (1435-38) by Rogier Van der Weyden
Approx. 7ft. 1 5/8 in x 8 ft. 7 1/8 in.
Oil on wood
Museo del Prado, Madrid
Viewed in A World of Art (6th Edition) by Henry M. Sayre

Compare and Contrast “The Alba Madonna” and “Deposition”

Compare and Contrast “The Alba Madonna” and “Deposition”
Two great works of art, both done at different times by different artist, have similar features and can be portrayed in
The main women in both paintings are in blue, the focal point in both paintings is drawing you to the center of the painting and bringing your eyes outward to view the rest. Great detail is given to each of the painting figures; you can notice the expression on the faces of those involved. In both works you can see the flow of movement, as if you can imagine where each hand will fall. Both paintings are two dimensional and done with oil paints. Both paintings are very northern Renaissance based, with the same characters in each picture, and the same clothing. In both paintings there is so much detail in the clothes and faces, it is almost life like, and everything flows very well. The figures in both paintings are centered in one small space, in “The Alba Madonna” the figures are centered and your eyes will go outward to the landscape and the details surrounding them and in “Deposition”, the focus is centered on Jesus and will go outward to catch the expressions of those around him, also both paintings are centered and in a pyramid like shape. In both paintings, even though it is at different time periods or ages in Jesus Christ’s life, the painting are depicting Jesus in Mary’s lap as in “The Alba Madonna”, and in “Deposition” being brought down from the cross to be place again
For starters, let’s look at the space in which each painting is done, in “The Alba Madonna”, the setting is and open field with vast area around them and in “Deposition”, the setting is in a small confined space, almost as if they are in a tomb of some sorts. In “The Alba Madonna” there is brighter light and as if you can feel the breeze as it blows upon the characters and in “Deposition”, it is as if the air is stuffy and hot; there is not a lot of room for their movements. The expressions in both pictures tell very different tales as well, in “The Alba Madonna”, it is as though there is wisdom and inquisition, whereas in “Deposition”, there is grief and despair. If you look at the surroundings of each piece you will see the contrast of life and death, in “The Alba Madonna”, you have mountains and green grass, there are flowers growing at their feet and in “Deposition” you have dreary brick, vines and skulls at their feet. Raphael is depicting life and expression of knowledge where Rogier Van der Weyden is depicting death and heartache. “The Alba Madonna”, has a cool and inviting feeling to it, as if there is certain clarity to the work. The “Deposition” seems dark and uninviting into this very personal moment in time. “The Alba Madonna”, was done on panel, however was transferred to canvass and “Deposition” was not, it remained on wood