Madonna with a Parrot

Martin Schongauer

National Gallery of Art

The image shows two figures closely positioned. The person on the left is sitting and holding a book. She has long, flowing hair with soft curls and delicate facial features. She wears a long gown with voluminous sleeves. The child on her right is seated on her lap and is nude, looking at a bird on its hand. The child has curly hair and chubby cheeks. The background shows a textured wall or curtain with a window or framed panel, revealing a small tree outside. A pillow with ornate detailing supports the child.