Madonna of the Magnificat

Artist: Sandro Botticelli
Location: Uffizi Gallery, Florence
Medium: Tempera on panel
Date: c. 1481

Biblical Context

Madonna and Child - The Magnificat is the canticle of Mary found in Luke 1:46-55, her song of praise after the Annunciation: "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior."

Probably a wedding present or a gift for a birth of a child. The circular format (tondo) was popular for domestic devotional images. Changing size from 33 to 46 inches was typical at the time.