Ridolfo del Ghirlandaio

This newly discovered tondo depicting the Madonna with Child with the infant St John by Ridolfo del Ghirlandaio, which can be dated to around 1508-1510, has made it possible to broaden our knowledge of the youthful artistic activity of Ridolfo. The influence of Raffaello Sanzio can be clearly seen in the panel, unsurprising given the close relationship of admiration and affection between the two artists, which flowered during Raphael’s stay in Florence, as is recounted by Vasari. This influence is combined with a closeness to the late style of his father, Domenico Ghirlandaio, and to the formative examples and style of Fra Bartolomeo, with whom Ridolfo trained.