“The Madonna of the Fish,” also known as “The Madonna with the Archangel Gabriel and St. Jerome,” is a distinguished work of the High Renaissance, masterfully executed by the illustrious artist Raphael around the year 1513. The artwork, an oil on canvas creation, measures 215 by 158 centimeters and embodies the quintessential elements of religious painting. Originally crafted during a period of considerable artistic achievement and innovation, this work now resides at the Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain, where it continues to be an object of admiration and study.
The artwork features a serene and composed Madonna seated centrally, holding the Christ Child in her lap. Her gaze seems reflective and tender, as she interacts with the figures surrounding her. To her left, the Archangel Gabriel kneels with an air of reverence, gesturing toward a fish he holds—a symbol of Christianity and possibly a reference to the biblical story of Tobias, which is underscored by the presence of the young boy beside Gabriel. This boy, traditionally identified as Tobias from the Apocryphal Book of Tobit, clasps a fish, pointing at it with his other hand as if to engage in a conversation with the Virgin about its significance.
On the right of the Madonna stands St. Jerome, an important figure in Christian history, identifiable by his cardinal’s attire and the book he holds, which likely represents his work on the Vulgate, the Latin translation of the Bible. The presence of the lion at his feet further confirms his identity, as the lion is his traditional attribute, drawn from the legend of St. Jerome removing a thorn from a lion’s paw. The arrangement of these characters demonstrates Raphael’s mastery of composition and his skillful use of color to highlight the central figures. The opulent drapery, the soft modeling of the figures, and the harmonious balance of form encapsulate the aesthetic ideals of the Renaissance and continue to draw viewers into a contemplative encounter with the divine.
