An artwork on Galleree from The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Virgin and ChildBartolomé Estebán Murillo
Spanish, Seville 1617–1682 Seville
1670s
65 1/4 x 43 in. (165.7 x 109.2 cm)
Painting
Oil on canvas
European Paintings
Rogers Fund, 1943
In Bartolomé Estebán Murillo's "Virgin and Child," we enter a serene moment captured with tenderness and care. The soft, flowing fabrics of the Virgin Mary's robes exude warmth, their rich reds and deep blues creating a harmonious balance, inviting the viewer into a nurturing embrace.
The gentle expression on Mary's face reflects love and devotion, while her slightly tilted head draws us into the intimate bond she shares with the Child. The Child, with his playful presence, not only portrays innocence but also embodies joy, as he reaches out towards his mother. His bare feet, highlighted against the soft drapery, seem to symbolize purity and simplicity.
Murillo's expert use of light enhances this sacred scene, illuminating their faces and creating a gentle glow that radiates peace. The subtle background, shrouded in soft earthy tones, allows our focus to remain solely on the pair, amplifying their sacred connection.
This artwork does more than just depict a moment; it invites us to reflect on the themes of motherhood, love, and divine connection, reminding us of the beauty in simple acts of care and affection.
About the artist
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world for everyone to experience and enjoy. The Museum lives in two iconic sites in New York City—The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters. Millions of people also take part in The Met experience online.Since its founding in 1870, The Met has always aspired to be more than a treasury of rare and beautiful objects. Every day, art comes alive in the Museum's galleries and through its exhibitions and events, revealing new ideas and unexpected connections across time and across cultures.The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from The Met's Open Access dataset under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 1000 Fifth Avenue New York, NY, USA 10028
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