"A large colored picture of Raphael’s Madonna of the Chair was the enthroned on a wall. We have chosen this painting as the symbol and emblem of the Children’s Houses. As a matter of fact these houses represent not only an advance in society but also in humanity. They are closely connected with the elevation of motherhood, the advancement of women, and the protection of posterity. Raphael’s idealized Madonna of the virgin mother with her adorable child is not only sweet and beautiful, but next to this perfect symbol of motherhood stands the figure of John the Baptist as a beautiful young child at the beginning of that rigorous life which was to prepare the way for Christ. It is the work of the greatest Italian artist, and if one day the Children’s Houses become spread throughout the world, Raphael’s picture will be there to speak eloquently of the country of their origin". Maria Montessori The Discovery of the Child, page 47.
(1909) Il Metodo della Pedagogia Scientifica applicato all'educazione infantile nelle Case dei Bambini.
- Revised in 1913, 1926, and 1935; revised and reissued in 1950 as La scoperta del bambino.
- (1912) English edition: The Montessori Method: Scientific Pedagogy as Applied to Child Education in the Children's Houses.
- (1948) Revised and expanded English edition issued as The Discovery of the Child.
- You can buy this book here.
