Madonna in the Clouds

Federico Barocci

National Gallery of Art

The image depicts the upper bodies of two figures, a woman and a child, positioned prominently at the center. The woman is seated, likely on a cloud, as the bottom of the frame suggests. She holds the child on her lap with both hands. Her head is slightly bowed and her eyes are softly closed. The woman has fine facial features and her hair is covered by a long veil or cloak. She wears a flowing robe that covers her from head to foot, leaving one foot partially visible. The child has curly hair and an endearing facial expression, looking away from the woman, with both arms outstretched. Surrounding them, the background consists of radiant lines suggesting divine light or holiness, and two faces of cherubs can be seen peeking from the upper corners.