Balmain's Renaissance Mood

“Madonna of the Harpies” is an example of a piece from the Italian Renaissance. This oil on wood piece by Andrea del Sarto is currently located in Florence, Italy. Although it was originally painted for the Convent of San Francesco dei Macci in Florence, Prince Ferdinando de' Medici commissioned the painting from the nuns at the convent to be placed with his collection at Pitti Palace. It is now currently located in the Uffizi in Florence, Italy.

 

“Madonna of the Harpies”

Andrea del Sarto, 1517
Oil on wood
Uffizi, Florence

“Madonna of the Harpies” was painted in 1517. It shows St John the Evangelist and St Francis on either side of the Virgin Mary. At the corners of the pedestal are the Harpies and at the center are the opening words of a hymn to Our Lady of the Assumption. The harpies are monster like creatures and show triumph over evil. This is an unusual depiction of the Virgin Mary because of the intensity of the color and the visual of good versus evil.

Balmain

Fall/ Winter 2013

This look from Balmain’s Fall/Winter 2013 collection has the feeling that the painting depicts. “Madonna of the Harpies” is not a typical depiction of the Virgin Mary because of the contrast between being Christ’s mother and standing on a pedestal with mythical creatures. You can also feel the weight of the painting. The Virgin Mary is balancing on a pedestal carrying the baby Jesus with one arm. Likewise, this look from Balmain is very top heavy with black leather as the material and the quilted leather across her shoulders. You can also see the contrast between the Saints on either side of the Virgin Mary, with the harpies on the podium. The Saints can be seen as heavenly, whereas the harpies are mythical and can be seen as demons. This contrast can be related to the Balmain look. The extreme materials are contrasting with a stiff, black leather top and a draping red skirt. The draping of the skirt is also comparable to the free flowing, draping layers seen on the Virgin Mary and the two saints. The Virgin Mary has a draping veil and skirt. The layers used in the painting are more free flowing and airy, whereas the Balmain skirt’s layers are more structured and realistic. Lastly, the colors from Balmain are also contrasting. The pants and leather shirt are both black, so the red skirt is shocking and unexpected, much like the heavenly Virgin Mary with demons below her.