The artwork entitled “Madonna and Child,” created by Giovanni Bellini circa 1475, is a panel painting executed in tempera. Representing the Early Renaissance art movement, this religious painting measures 76 x 53 cm and exemplifies the delicate and reverent portrayal typical of the period.
The artwork depicts the Virgin Mary tenderly holding the Infant Jesus. Mary is adorned in a rich blue mantle, which signifies her purity and heavenly royalty, set against a deep red background that accentuates the solemnity of the scene. The subtly rendered halos around their heads convey their sanctity. The child, with a soft, cherubic expression, is cradled in his mother’s arms, exploring his surroundings with a natural and curious gaze. Their intimate interaction is heightened by the careful attention to their gentle physiognomies and tender gestures, reflecting Bellini’s mastery in capturing the nuanced expressions of divine love and human motherhood.
