The artwork “Madonna and Child” by Petrus Christus, created circa 1450, is an oil painting on wood from the Northern Renaissance art movement. Measuring 19 by 14 cm, this religious painting is housed in the Budapest Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest, Hungary.
In the artwork, a serene scene is depicted within a detailed architectural setting, featuring arched windows and a view of a verdant landscape outside. The central figure is the Madonna, robed in a rich red garment, who holds the Child Christ in her arms. The Christ Child’s gaze is directed outward, creating a focal point for the viewer. A kneeling monk, dressed in a white habit, joins his hands in prayer, showcasing his veneration. A female figure, likely an attendant or patron, gently places her hand on the monk’s shoulder while holding what appears to be a miniature model of a church. The detailed execution of the figures, their garments, and the surrounding environment exemplify the meticulous style and devotional intensity characteristic of Petrus Christus’s work and the Northern Renaissance.
