The Madonna and Child with an Escaped Goldfinch

Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, called Guercino

National Gallery of Art

The drawing illustrates the upper body of two figures. The central figure is seated, looking to the left towards a bird in flight. The person has soft facial features with wavy hair arranged atop their head. They are dressed in draped clothing. With them is a child standing upright, partially supported by the seated figure's arm. The child has curly hair and looks directly towards the viewer. The drawing appears to use a single color medium, creating a monochromatic effect. The background is minimal, focusing on textures created by the medium, with the highlight of the bird adding an element of motion.