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Italian, Umbrian, 'The Virgin and Child', about 1473

About the work

Christ stands upright with the support of his mother, the Virgin Mary. He holds a transparent crystal orb and is clutching his semi-transparent drapery, which hangs over one shoulder like a Roman toga. He is intended to look like a miniature Roman emperor, a pose which conveys his spiritual authority even though he’s still an infant.

The small size and the intimate nature of this image of the Virgin gazing lovingly at the infant Christ suggest that it was made for private prayer at home. The frame is ‘engaged’, meaning that it is original and attached to the panel.

Since the painting would have been viewed up close, every detail is painted with delicacy and precision. We can see every petal of the roses strung on the hanging garland that frames the Virgin’s head, and the leaves of the tiny trees in the hazy landscape background are tinted with gold as they catch the early morning light.

Key facts

Full title
The Virgin and Child
Artist
Italian, Umbrian
Date made
about 1473
Medium and support
egg tempera on wood
Dimensions
48.3 × 36.8 cm
Acquisition credit
Salting Bequest, 1910
Inventory number
NG2483
Location
Not on display
Collection
Main Collection
Previous owners

About this record

If you know more about this painting or have spotted an error, please contact us. Please note that exhibition histories are listed from 2009 onwards. Bibliographies may not be complete; more comprehensive information is available in the National Gallery Library.

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