Madonna with Child – National Gallery – Washington
Seated in the foreground, this sweet Madonna gently holds Baby Jesus, resting on her knees, in her arms. The Virgin is elegantly dressed in a red tunic, tightened at the waist by a belt, while a blue cape is placed on her shoulders, which also covers her legs; the left sleeve of the mantle also reveals a precious gold cuff, richly decorated, while in the blond hair a bow in light fabric is softly knotted.
On the contrary, the Child is naked, and the very clear complexion of the plump limbs contrasts with the bright colors of the mother’s clothes, giving an effect of pleasant brightness to the whole work.
The composition gives back a sense of pleasant harmony and intimacy, where the religious theme overlaps and merges with that of the sweet love between mother and child.
In the background, a hilly landscape devoid reminiscent of the typical Umbrian countryside, fades towards the horizon, recreating the effect of aerial perspective.
The work is preserved at the National Gallery of Washington.
