The Virgin and Child

Image credit: The National Gallery, London

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Notes

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The Virgin sits in front of an Italianate landscape, the Christ Child standing on her lap. He twists his body to gaze lovingly at his mother, while her hand cups his left foot.

This picture, with its brilliant blues and greens, is among Cima da Conegliano’s finest works. It is one of several versions of the composition painted by him and his workshop. This one is thought to be mainly by Cima: the clear light and the contrasting colours are very characteristic of his style.

As well as being highly decorative, the composition has a strong underlying geometric structure. The Virgin and Child together form a wide-based triangle, their heads meeting at the apex. Christ’s body makes a narrower triangle, and the shapes of the hills, towns and mountains all echo these forms.

The National Gallery, London

London

Title

The Virgin and Child

Date

probably about 1496-9

Medium

Oil on wood

Measurements

H 69.2 x W 57.2 cm

Accession number

NG300

Acquisition method

Bought, 1858

Work type

Painting

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The National Gallery, London

Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England

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