The Virgin and Child

North Italian 15th Century

National Gallery of Art

The sculpture shows a woman holding a child in her arms. The woman is standing, with her head slightly inclined towards the child, who is cradled in her arms. It is crafted from a material that appears to be bronze or a bronze-like metal, giving it a dark brownish color with a slight metallic sheen. The woman's robe and the child's body are detailed with draped folds. The sculpture is of a moderate size and proportions, suggesting it could be a relief sculpture meant to be viewed from the front. There are two visible holes in the sculpture. The sculpture conveys a sense of grace and tenderness through its detailed rendering and the gentle, protective posture of the woman.