Madonna of Bruges

The Madonna of Bruges is a stunning marble sculpture by Michelangelo that beautifully captures the Virgin Mary and Child Jesus. What distinguishes this piece is how Jesus stands almost independently, as if he's ready to take his first steps away from his mother. Mary, rather than holding onto her son, gazes down and away with a serene expression. This unique portrayal was originally intended for an altarpiece and exemplifies the High Renaissance pyramid composition, a hallmark of Leonardo da Vinci's work.

There are notable similarities between the Madonna of Bruges and Michelangelo's Pietà, particularly in the dramatic interplay of light and shadow (chiaroscuro) and the elegant flow of the drapery. Mary's long, oval face in this sculpture also echoes that of the Pietà. Interestingly, the Madonna of Bruges was the only sculpture by Michelangelo to leave Italy during his lifetime. It was purchased by wealthy cloth merchants from Bruges in 1504 for 4,000 florins.

The sculpture has had quite a journey through history. It was first taken from Belgium during the French Revolutionary Wars in 1794 and brought to Paris. Fortunately, it was returned after Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo in 1815. The second time was during World War II in 1944, when German soldiers smuggled it to Germany. Thankfully, it was found in Austria and brought back to Belgium.

Today, you can visit the Madonna of Bruges at the Church of Our Lady in Bruges, Belgium. Its incredible history is even featured in the film "The Monuments Men" adding a layer of intrigue to this already fascinating masterpiece.