The Virgin and Child

Italian 16th Century

National Gallery of Art

The sculpture depicts a woman holding a child, with both figures facing each other. The woman appears to be gazing affectionately at the child, who is sitting in her lap. The sculpture is crafted from bronze and has a muted brown color with a smooth texture. It is circular with a decorative border featuring floral motifs. The rounded form of the sculpture and the detailed depictions of the figures suggest a small, medallion-like object. The details in the sculpture include the woman's draped clothing and the child's curly hair.