The Alba Madonna (Relief Commemorative Plate)
Decorative art, commemorative relief plate • After Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio); likely manufactured by a commercial collectible company such as The Franklin Mint or similar decorative arts foundry
Style & Movement
High Renaissance Revival / Neoclassical Decorative Art
Medium & Technique
Cast metal with a bronze-toned or brass finish; features bas-relief casting and a brushed metallic frame finish
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1970s-1980s)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 8-10 inches in diameter; circular (tondo) format mounted within a secondary metallic frame
Subject Description
A low-relief reproduction of Raphael's 'Alba Madonna' (c. 1510). It depicts the Virgin Mary seated in a landscape with the Christ Child and John the Baptist, who holds a cross. The composition focuses on the pyramidal emotional connection between the figures.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; showing signs of age-related wear including surface oxidation and spotting on the brushed frame
Estimated Market Value
$25 - $75 USD
Auction Estimate
$20 - $50 USD
Provenance History
Likely a mass-produced commemorative item sold through catalogs or museum shops; no specific individual provenance indicated beyond retail acquisition
Art Historical Significance
As a modern reproduction, its significance lies in the enduring popularity of Raphael's High Renaissance motifs in domestic decorative arts and the 20th-century trend for 'masterpiece' collectibles.
Notable Features
Features the inscription 'THE ALBA MADONNA BY RAPHAEL SANZIO' along the upper curve; mounted with traditional spring-loaded wire plate hangers for wall display
Condition Issues
Visible spotting and patina degradation on the wide outer rim; minor dust accumulation in the crevices of the relief; potential light surface scratches
Conservation Recommendations
Light dusting with a soft microfiber cloth; avoid abrasive metal cleaners which may strip the toned finish; stabilize environmental humidity to prevent further oxidation