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The Virgin and Child

Image credit: The National Gallery, London

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Notes

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The Virgin and Christ Child are seen as if at an open window, with the infant perched on the sill. Mary gazes lovingly at her son and offers him her breast; images of the Virgin breastfeeding emphasised Christ’s humanity and vulnerability.

Small religious panels like this were used as an aid to private prayer in people’s homes. Images of the Virgin and Child reminded medieval viewers of the Virgin’s role as mother of God, and also of the Incarnation, by which God became fully human.

Although they are biblical figures the Virgin and Child are shown in a fifteenth-century room, as if they have entered our world. The white cloth around the Child may have continued over the original frame, which is now missing, strengthening the illusion.

The National Gallery, London

London

Title

The Virgin and Child

Date

about 1465

Medium

Oil with egg tempera on oak

Measurements

H 37.1 x W 27.6 cm

Accession number

NG2595

Acquisition method

Salting Bequest, 1910

Work type

Painting

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Normally on display at

The National Gallery, London

Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England

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