The artwork titled “Madonna and Child,” created by Giovanni Bellini between the years 1460 and 1464, is a religious painting representative of the Early Renaissance period. Rendered in tempera on a panel, the piece measures 78 x 54 cm. The painting is housed in the Sforza Castle in Milan, Italy.
The artwork depicts the Madonna tenderly holding the Child Jesus, a common subject in religious art, symbolizing purity and maternal care. The figures are set against a serene, dark background that highlights the gentle expressions and detailed drapery of the Madonna’s clothing. The use of gold leaf in their halos draws attention to their divinity and sanctity. The Child Jesus is depicted holding a small object, likely a fruit, symbolizing innocence and possibly referencing biblical themes. Bellini’s meticulous technique and soft color palette are evident, contributing to the painting’s revered status in the Early Renaissance artistic tradition.