[For Immediate Release]
First Time in San Diego, Raphael The Madonna of the Pinks
Raphael; The Prince of Painters
19 December 2014 – 26 April 2015
SAN DIEGO, CA.- Raphael’s recently discovered The Madonna of the Pinks will be
exhibited for the first time in the United States at the Timken Museum of Art in Balboa
Park.
To kick off the Timken’s 50th anniversary, this painting comes on special loan from the
National Gallery, London, which in turn is showcasing the Timken's Saint Bartholomew
by Rembrandt in its exhibition Rembrandt: The Late Works.
The Exhibit of Raphael's The Madonna of the Pinks represents an extraordinary
opportunity for the Timken, Balboa Park and San Diego. Praised as one of Raphael's
most captivating depictions, the painting has never traveled outside England in the past
161 years. This is its first visit to the United States.
The small devotional panel, which is based on an equally famous composition by
Leonardo da Vinci, depicts the Virgin Mary with the Christ Child on her lap in a sunlit
bedchamber. It is an image imbued with great emotional intensity meant for
contemplation. The owner would have cradled the composition in his or her hands. There
followed more elaborate and perhaps even more sophisticated Virgin and Child paintings,
but none matched the outburst of joy that illuminates The Madonna of the Pinks. It is said
that The Madonna of the Pinks is to Raphael as the Mona Lisa is to Leonardo.
Tragically short-lived, Raphael was remarkably prolific. Approximately one hundred
paintings are known by the artist who is widely considered as one of the most influential
masters of the High Renaissance in Italy. Raphael painted The Madonna of the Pinks
shortly before leaving Florence for Rome where he would come into contact with
Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo and create his most ambitious works - the large
religious frescos in the Vatican.
For most of the 20th century the picture hung unappreciated in a corridor at Alnwick
Castle, England, the home of the 4th Duke of Northumberland, until it was examined
more closely by the National Gallery's Nicholas Penny, Director. An examination with
infrared reflectography allowed a look beneath the painting image and revealed an
underdrawing characteristic of the great master. Subsequent investigations have
confirmed the picture’s status as an original work by Raphael.
In 2002, The Madonna of the Pinks was acquired by the National Gallery, London, who
has generously loaned it to the Timken for its special presentation "Raphael; Prince of
Painters", which runs from December 19, 2014 until April 26, 2015.
Along with the exhibition the Timken will be hosting several lectures during the
painting’s four-month stay; including one by renowned Dr. Ashok Roy, National Gallery
Director, Collections who authenticated The Madonna of the Pinks. Also speaking
during the 4-month exhibit will be Linda Wolk-Simon, an independent curator and
specialist in Italian Renaissance art of Raphael and his followers. Ms. Linda Wolk-Simon
was formerly at the Morgan Library and at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
This special presentation was made possible by the generous support of The David C.
Copley Foundation, The Mandell Weiss Charitable Trust, The Timken Foundation of
Canton, Ohio, The City of San Diego Commission for Arts & Culture, and The Friends of
the Timken.
About The Timken Museum of Art
The Timken Museum of Art, located in the heart of San Diego’s Balboa Park, exhibits
European old master paintings, 18th and 19th century American paintings and Russian
icons. Admission is ALWAYS FREE. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday through Saturday and Sundays 12:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is closed on Mondays,
and holidays. More information can be found at timkenmuseum.org or call (619) 2395548.
Media Contact: Camille Carlin | Timken Museum of Art
ccarlin@timkenmuseum.org | 619.239-5548
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