Virgin and Child

Ventura Salimbeni after Guido Reni

National Gallery of Art

The image shows two figures - a woman and a child. The woman is seated, embracing the child who is positioned on her lap with his arms around her neck. The woman has gentle facial features with downcast eyes, and her hair is partially visible under a cloth or head covering. The child has curly hair and is depicted with a serene expression. The woman's clothing is depicted in flowing lines, typical of drapery, with detail emphasizing the folds. She appears to be sitting inside, with a large curtain draped on one side and an arched window on the other. Through the window, a scene of trees and a distant figure is visible, along with some hills. There is a halo around both figures' heads. The background shows detailed textures both in and outside the window.