The Virgin and Child in Egypt
1810
tempera
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1810
tempera
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
This painting depicts a serene scene of the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus. The Virgin's long, wavy hair frames her gentle face, while her hands are raised in a gesture of devotion. The baby Jesus sits on her lap, looking directly at the viewer. In the background, a palm tree and pyramids are visible, set against a soft, muted sky. The artist's use of tempera paint creates a sense of depth and texture, with subtle gradations of color that add to the overall sense of calm. If you're interested in learning more about the artist behind this work, you might want to look up William Blake (British, 1757–1827).