Madonna of the Carnation

This Madonna was formerly owned by Giulio de' Medici, Pope Clement VII.

It is one of earliest panel paintings by the young genius from the time he was still working in his teacher's workshop.

With this style of Madonna painting in an interior space...

... lined with windows, Leonardo continued to observe the traditions of Florentine painting closely.

However, this composition, while being consistently committed to studies from nature...

..., points to the ambitious principles of his later masterful creations.

This work in oil is also an experiment with regard to the painting technique...

... and a work of exceptional brilliance.