Madonna with the Fish

Curatorial Overview

“Madonna of the Fish, known also as Madonna with the Fish is a painting by the High Renaissance master Raphael, dated to 1513-14. It is now in the Museo del Prado, Madrid. Mary sits enthroned with Jesus on her knee. On one side is St. Jerome, dressed as a cardinal, kneeling by his attribute, a lion; he is holding his Vulgate translation of the Bible. On the other side the archangel Raphael is presenting at the foot of the throne the young Tobias, whom he had accompanied to the River Tigris, and who bears the miraculous fish whose heart, liver and gall were to restore his father's sight, and drive the demons from his bride.”