Crowned Virgin and Child
Author: Unknown
Origin: Unknown
Dating: 18th century
Material: Oil on Canvas
Dimensions (cm): 64,5 x 51,2
Inv. no.: PNA66702 / PD0721dep / PNA639
According to tradition, Saint Luke was the author of the first three iconographic representations of the Virgin Mary with the Baby Jesus. On one of them – known as ‘Virgin of Tenderness’ – Mother and Son are shown leaning on each other’s faces with affection.
In this painting, the tenderness between Mother and Son may be seen in the enjoined faces; in the Baby’s hand which is put, with affection, on the Mother’s face; and in the hand of the Virgin sheltering Him. Both radiate light and are looking at the viewer, granting Divine protection.
The Child is naked, nestled tenderly by the Mother, wrapped inside a white cloth. Our Lady wears a red garment and, falling over Her head and shoulders, there is a dark blue mantle hemmed in gold.
Mother and Son are crowned, symbolising their Divine Royalty.
