The Sistine Madonna
The artist
Raphael, one of the greatest painters of the Italian Renaissance, famous for his gentle and graceful figures.
What you see
Mary stands on soft clouds holding baby Jesus, with two saints beside her and green curtains opened wide.
The story
Raphael painted this large altarpiece around 1512 for a church in Italy, and people have loved it ever since.
The style
Everything feels calm and balanced, with soft colors and gentle faces that seem full of kindness.
Look closer
At the very bottom, two little winged angels rest their chins on their hands, looking dreamy and a bit bored.
Where to see it
You can see it at the Gemaldegalerie museum in Dresden, Germany, where those two angels are the stars of the show.
Fun fact
Those two sleepy little angels became so popular that you now see them on cards, mugs, and gift wrap everywhere.