Angelitos Negros - La Madonna (Op.1899)

Throughout antiquity, portraits of The Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus have been a staple of classical art and almost a Rite of Passage for traditional painters, with renditions by everyone from Raphael to William Adolphe-Bouguereau. Personally, Bouguereau’s version, coupled with his La Pieta are two of my favorite religious arts ever because of the glaring similarities offset by the subtlest tonal and emotional shifts. That said, I had to do a take on the subject for the series: most times Mary and Jesus are portrayed solo, but I thought it would be resplendent to have angels protecting and covering the mother and child; both of whom look on with power and calm.

Traditionally, women of time period and region might wear a particular headdress or otherwise some head covering, which would also be typical for a Madonna piece—but we celebrate black hair here, so exceptions will always be made. I dont want the series to necessarily be filled with pop culture, but certain figures will be making appearances within very select contexts—the fun is in knowing who and why. It was a journey figuring out what elements would be included or excluded but they opened the door for more options in upcoming pieces…!