“Madonna with Child,” created circa 1475 by the illustrious Giovanni Bellini, is an Early Renaissance religious painting rendered in tempera on a panel. Measuring 75 by 50 centimeters, the artwork exemplifies Bellini’s masterful devotion to the sacred theme, portraying the intimate bond between the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child. This work is celebrated for its serene composure and delicate depiction of maternal tenderness, hallmarks of Bellini’s profound religious sensibility and technical precision.
The composition of the artwork features the Madonna holding the Child, captured in a moment of gentle interaction. The Virgin, adorned in a modest yet striking red mantle, gazes down at the Child with a serene and tender expression, reflecting both humility and divine grace. The Christ Child, seated on Mary’s lap, looks up towards her with a face full of innocence and trust. The background is subtly evocative of a timeless, ethereal space, providing a sacred ambiance without detracting from the central figures. The use of tempera lends the painting a luminous quality, with meticulous attention to the handling of light and texture, particularly in the depiction of the flesh tones and drapery. Bellini’s work not only encapsulates religious devotion but also exemplifies the harmonious balance and refined elegance characteristic of the Early Renaissance period.
