My dear mother, knowing my love for Montessori education and philosophy, brought me this gift the other day. I have wanted one for years. I am just delighted to have it hanging in our learning room. Maria Montessori had a painting of Madonna of the Chair in each of her Children's Houses.
"The littles ones may not be able to understand the symbolic meaning of the Madonna of the Chair, but they would see in it something greater than the other pictures which show fathers, mothers, grandparents and babies. They would enfold it in their hearts with religious feelings."--Maria Montessori
Raphael's painting actually contains the person of St. John the Baptist, who in my rendition has been cut out. To view the entire painting as well as a history of Raphael, click here. I love how the people in Raphael's paintings are not thin and whispy but rather chubby and healthy looking. Baby Jesus' legs look a bit like my Annie's! Couldn't you just give them a squeeze?
