Virgin and Child
Master of the Female Half-Lengths
1520
tempera
From the collection of National Museum of Ancient Art
Master of the Female Half-Lengths
1520
tempera
From the collection of National Museum of Ancient Art
The painting depicts a serene scene of the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child. The Virgin's dark hair is pulled back, and she wears a black dress with a white undershirt. Her eyes are cast downward, and her right hand gently supports the baby's left leg. The Christ Child, with light skin and hair, looks to his right. He is naked except for a white cloth draped over his left shoulder and leg. In the background, the dark color creates a sense of depth and contrast with the subjects. The overall mood is one of quiet intimacy and devotion. For more information on this technique, look up tempera.
