Overview

1. The Sistine Madonna by Raphael

The upbeat of the series.

2. Madonna La Belle Jardinière by Raphael

The actual starting point. The Child is at his Mother’s right foot.

3. Madonna Alba by Raphael

The Child ascends from the right foot to the head.

4. Madonna Alba (detail) by Raphael

This detail of the same painting creates the impression of an upward movement.

5. Madonna di casa Pazzi by Donatello

The Child arrives at the place where the 'I' creates the awareness of the Self (the point positioned just above and in between the eyebrows).

6. Madonna di Cardellino (detail) by Raphael

The Child descends again. This detail creates the impression that it moves to the bottom right hand corner, at the left foot. The Original is later used to position the Child in the bottom left hand corner.

7. Madonna Bridgewater by Raphael

The Child ascends from the left foot to the right arm.

8. The Sistine Madonna (detail) by Raphael

On to the right arm.

9. Madonna Tempi by Raphael

The Child is positioned in the middle, in the heart region.

10. The Transfiguration (detail) by Raphael

This totally different image appears as a direct result of the previous sequence. Where in 5. the transformation of the I into self awareness is symbolised, this detail centres on the very seat of the 'I' in the heart region.

11. Madonna del Granduca by Raphael

On to the left arm.

12. Madonna with the Fish (detail) by Raphael

Descending from the left arm.

13. The Bruges Madonna by Michelangelo

Further descent towards the right foot.

14. Madonna del Cardellino by Raphael

The last depiction in the series: the Child has returned to the starting point.

15. The Transfiguration (detail) by Raphael

The image of the 'I' appears in conclusion and as an apotheosis.