Virgin and Child with St John the Baptist

Bugiardini was particularly successful in his works for private veneration, such as the present example, which show a mastery of invention and colour, and which are of a size and format suited to his artistic temperament and talents. Through this panel, Bugiardini displays an awareness of the paintings of Raphael, as well, of course, to his friend Michelangelo. The compositional device of the Madonna holding an open book is a direct reference to Michelangelo, specifically to his drawing of the Madonna del Silenzio in the collection of the Duke of Portland.