The artwork titled “The Virgin and Child with St. Peter and St. Sebastian” was created by Giovanni Bellini circa 1487. This Early Renaissance oil painting on panel measures 58 by 82 centimeters and is a religious painting currently housed in the Louvre in Paris, France.
The artwork captures a deeply religious scene featuring the Virgin Mary holding the Infant Jesus at the center, flanked by St. Peter on her left and St. Sebastian on her right. Above them, three cherubs float among the clouds, gazing serenely upon the holy figures below. The Virgin Mary, rendered with a serene and composed expression, is draped in traditional garments, emphasizing her maternal and sacred role. The infant Jesus stands upright, his finger raised in a gesture of blessing or teaching. St. Peter is identifiable by his robust features and holds a symbolic key, which alludes to his status as the gatekeeper of Heaven. On the right, St. Sebastian is depicted with youthful features, traditionally shown without his arrows, presenting a figure of devotion and faith. The composition showcases Bellini’s masterful use of color and light to enhance the sanctity and divine nature of the subjects, characteristic of the Early Renaissance art movement.
