Madonna of the Rosary Poster

Discover the grandeur and spiritual symbolism of Caravaggio’s Madonna of the Rosary (1607), a monumental Baroque altarpiece housed in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna. This painting features the Virgin Mary enthroned, giving a rosary to Saint Dominic, who is surrounded by Dominicans and faithful kneeling in devotion. The composition highlights key Dominican saints, including Saint Peter Martyr, identifiable by his scarred forehead, and Saint Thomas Aquinas. The large red drapery and column in the background evoke the patronage of the Colonna family, possibly linked to the commissioner Luigi Carafa-Colonna. Painted during Caravaggio’s time in Naples, the work reflects the promotion of the Feast of the Rosary, established after the 1571 Battle of Lepanto. The donor, depicted kneeling at the left, gazes directly at the viewer, seeking protection under Saint Dominic’s cloak. Caravaggio’s dramatic chiaroscuro and naturalistic figures emphasise the sacred and human dimensions of the scene. This museum-quality print is perfect for art lovers and collectors seeking iconic Italian Baroque religious art and rich historical context for their home or office.