CENTO MADONNA

(1591; Cento, Museo Civico)

Ludovico Carraccirendered theCento Madonnafor the Capuchin Church of Cento, nearBologna.St.Francis, who was important to the Capuchins because the statutes of their order depend on that of the

Franciscans, kneels at the foot of the throne occupied by theVirginand Child. He pleads to the Virgin to view favorably the donors of thealtarpiece, shown on the lower right. On the lower left is another Franciscan, possibly Brother Leo, Francis' faithful companion, while behind the throne two angels discuss the event.St.Josephsits to the right, leaning his elbow on the throne. He is shown below the Virgin and Child to denote his lack of involvement in Christ's conception.Venetianinfluence on this work is clear. The elevated throne of the Virgin, the architectural elements that frame the scene, and the out-door setting, all stem from Venetian art. Yet the emotive components, the dynamic poses of the Virgin and Child, both of whom lean forward to listen to the St. Francis' plea, and the closeness of the figures to the viewer are particular to Ludovico's style. One of the most admired works by Ludovico, theCento Madonnaexerted particular influence on the art ofGuercino, a native of Cento.