477 - Virgin of the Milk – Italian School – mid-17th century

Virgin of the Milk – Italian School – mid-17th century Oil on relined canvas. 90 x 66.5 cm. Unframed. The Virgin Mary holds the Christ Child on her lap while breastfeeding him, in accordance with the traditional iconography of the Virgo Lactans. The monumental figures stand out against a dark background that draws attention to the maternal bond between Mother and Child. The reverse side shows the relined canvas.