Madonna of the Rose Garden

The "Madonna of the Rose Garden" is a splendid example of International Gothic painting, dating from approximately 1420-1435. Art historians have traditionally debated whether it was created by Michelino da Besozzo or Stefano da Verona, but recent research increasingly supports Michelino da Besozzo as the artist. This exquisite piece is housed in the Castelvecchio Museum in Verona, Italy.

The painting portrays the Madonna with Child in a luxuriant rose garden. The roses around them are not mere decoration—they symbolize the Madonna's virginity. Beside her stands St. Catherine of Alexandria, identifiable by her crown and the torture wheel, symbols of her noble status and martyrdom.

Adding to the serene composition are graceful angels, each engrossed in different activities: some read religious texts, others gather rose petals, and a few play near a Gothic font. This font, rich in symbolism, represents Mary as the "Spring of Grace." A closer look reveals two peacocks in the garden, symbolizing the immortality of Christ.

The authorship of this masterpiece has been a subject of debate, but contemporary scholars are increasingly attributing it to Michelino da Besozzo. Regardless of its exact provenance, the "Madonna of the Rose Garden" remains a cherished example of Gothic art, imbued with symbolic depth and aesthetic refinement.