Madonna of the people

This monumental altarpiece, painted by Federico Barocci in 1579, was acquired by Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo in 1786 for the Chapel of the lay brothers of Arezzo in the church of Santa Maria della Pieve. It has a whirling composition, and natural quality which is enlivened by bright colors and strong lighting. Figures such as the crippled man, the blind man and the woman with children are references to the Seven Works of Mercy of the Madonna who in this painting presents herself to her son also as a lawyer for the people. Here Barocci anticipates the spectacular effects of Baroque art; in fact, among his young admirers, besides the Tuscan painters, there was also Rubens.