Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Lest you think that all west wing paintings have a naughty subtext, let us draw your atten-
tion to Sandro Botticelli's
Madonna with Child and Singing Angels
(1477) in Room
XVIII. This circular painting (a format called a
tondo
) shows Mary flanked by two sets of
four wingless angels. It's an intimate moment that shows the Virgin tenderly embracing -
perhaps even about to breastfeed - her child. The white lilies are symbols of her purity.
