This is based on a painting by Raphael, usually known in English as the Madonna of the Chair. In Italian it is called La Madonna della Seggiola or La Madonna della Sedia.
The figures are Mary, Jesus & John the Baptist.
Rating
the three figures by: Anonymous
Depictions of these three figures are often seen in Catholic art and I grew up learning that the three figures are the Virgin Mary holding the baby Jesus with (another child of the extended family), John the Baptist. John the Baptist is usually depicted holding a cross such as seen in this cameo.
Rating
Funny how answers create questions by: Lisa
Wow. Interesting. The stained glass picture's details are a near exact match to the cameo's. Croatia is a long way from where my ancestors were at the turn of the century, as far as I know, but both my GGGMA as well as my GGMA were housekeepers for wealthy families in Chicago. This could very well have been given to them as a gift. Thank you both for your interest and comments.
Rating
Christian Art & Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus by: Anonymous
FYI - I found this little Croatia Christianity curiosity on internet; a photo of Mother Teresa in Zagreb in the court of the Basilica of Sacred Heart of Jesus, Palmoticeva 31, taken around 1980. The photo can be viewed at the following link:
http://www.croatianhistory.net/etf/et2.html
Monica, thanks very much for your comments. Yes, some likeness, iconography in being three figure subject Madonna and Child and "C" but the subject on Lisa's cameo is a representation of an early period in Christian art -the representation of Saint Anne, the Virgin Mary and the Infant Jesus – three generations.
The cameo is believed to be an antique cameo, ca. 1850s, and crafted prior to the building of the Sacred Heart in Croatia. Indicating, subject on the stained glass, was drawn from an earlier work also. What do you think?
Warm Regards Yvonne
Rating
Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Croatia by: Monica
Stained glass depicting the Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus, Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Zagreb, Croatia
Your cameo really reminds me of this painting. I think the third figure is either St. Peter or St. Paul
Thank you. I do see the similarities. Have you seen others or is this particular depiction rare? This piece belonged to my great-great-great-grandma so we think its dated around 1850.
Rating
See Virgin and Child with St Anne by: Anonymous
inspiration for this cameo could possibly be drawn from Leonardo Da Vinci painting -
