Virgin and Child playing with a Goldfinch and holding a Sheaf of Millet
Cecco di Pietro
1378
The Virgin Mary is shown seated with the Christ Child on her lap. She wears a gold crown and a blue robe, painted using the precious pigment lapis lazuli. The picture is full of symbols. For example, both Mary and the child have halos around their heads. Their radiance show that these are holy persons, residing in the heavenly realm. The gold background conveys the same message. The painting was originally an altarpiece in a church.
SMK – National Gallery of Denmark, Copenhagen · Image: SMK – National Gallery of Denmark, Public domain · Text: SMK – National Gallery of Denmark (text: Hanne Kolind Poulsen) (adapted), CC0