madonna and child

Background information of Madonna and Child

Madonna and Child is one of the many paintings of Mary and Jesus that Giovanni Bellini has created. Madonna and Child is simply a picture of Madonna, also know as Mary the Virgin, and her child, Christ, also known as Jesus. Madonna is on a kneel in this painting holding her son. In the background, there are two cities. This painting is dated from 1488, making Madonna about 58 years of age when she completed this painting.

Interpretation of Madonna and Child

In the painting, Madonna and Child, Madonna is holding her son, blessed but still confused on why she was the one chosen to carry the The Lord’s son. In front of Madonna and Jesus, there is a pear. The pear is a key example of symbolism in this painting. The pear is placed in front of Madonna as an illusion. An illusion that Madonna, the virgin, and her new role as Eve, redeem humanity with Christ in her arms. There are many other paintings based off of Madonna and Christ from the Renaissance. This painting was placed on display in 1579, 91 years after she completed it, and 63 years after her death in 1516. Like many other artists of the Renaissance, Giovanni Bellini used detail through the human form. The Child’s body in this painting is so realistic, as Madonna is as well. By the way the human bodies were drawn and painted, it’s no question this is a painting from the Italian Renaissance.