Virgin and Child before a Firescreen

The Virgin is seated on a wooden bench in front of a large wicker firescreen, the shape of which suggests a halo, and appears to have been nursing the infant Christ. She is shown as the Queen of Heaven in her palace. Her richly ornamented dress, precious book, the cushions and the inlaid floor are all evocative of extraordinary splendour. By contrast, her child is shown naked, as if to emphasize his humanity. The painting underwent a major restoration in the 19th century. A broad strip on the right and a narrow strip at the top were added. The cupboard on the right, on which a chalice is place... Mehr ...