The Madonna and Child Seated before a Ledge

Thierry Bellange

National Gallery of Art

The image shows a woman seated with a child in her lap. The woman is facing slightly left, embracing the child. She has angular facial features, dark hair partially covered by a veil, and a gentle expression. The child has curly hair and is nestled close to the woman's chest. The woman is wearing a red and gray robe, sandals, and both have halos. The child is nude with a subtle halo. They sit on a stone bench in a classical setting with a distant horizon, clouds, and flying birds in the background. A richly ornamented vase of flowers is on the right, and a small bird is on the left of the bench.