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Michelangelo created the "Madonna of the Stairs" at the age of sixteen, roughly during the year 1490. This marble relief was made during a time of great social, political and artistic upheaval in Italy. Michelangelo was an intensely artistic young man whose inspiration even at this early age knew no bounds. The "Madonna of the Stairs" then entailed the transition between the traditional and the new.
The traditional religious theme was common in Michelangelo's work during this time. He however presented his themes in a revolutionary way. His realistic portrayal of bodies for example was evident and acquired from his rigorous study of cadavers for the purpose of familiarizing himself with the human body.
Michelangelo was fairly lucky, as his most productive years were spent during the most important years of the Renaissance, when art enjoyed a privileged position. Regardless of the subject matter or the way in which it was presented, art was hailed as the product of the great human spirit. Thus Michelangelo's early works were supported both financially and socially. Even his father, having initially rejected the young artist's aspirations, nonetheless supported his efforts by providing him with the necessary social contacts to further his career.
Thus the artist's "Madonna of the Stairs" enjoys a reception as one of the first works of the Renaissance both at the time and centuries after his death. The integrity of this work was thus an accepted given.
After 1550 however, the culmination of the Renaissance came to an end, and criticism came to be leveled against art for issues such as nudity and the portrayal of biblical figures in artistic works. Michelangelo here was also a pioneer, as he is said to be the first artist in conflict with the Counter Reformation movement of the Church. Nonetheless, his Madonna of the Stairs did enjoy the privilege it deserved both at the time and in current artistic circles.
Sources
Art History. "Michelangelo." http://en.easyart.com/arthistory/artist/Michelangelo-3351.html
Brunskill, Joan. "Michelangelo, Renaissance Master of all Time." http://www.southcoasttoday.com/daily/08-96/08-20-96/c04li089.ht
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