Virgin Mary Breastfeeding Jesus - Genoese School Italy Early 17th Century

Oil on copper representing the Virgin and the Child Jesus, Genoese School of the 17th century. Berain frame in gilded wood The Virgin Mary nursing the infant Jesus is one of the representations of the Virgin and Child placed in a moment of intimacy. The oldest representation is in the catacombs of Rome and dates from the 2nd century. In the East, from the 6th-7th centuries, an iconography called Galaktotrophousa developed. In the West, a new style emerges, breaking away from Byzantine influence, from the 13th century. The Renaissance took hold of it, the figure of the Virgin of humility being very popular. Some works, for example by Raphael, show the child, anticipating this moment, who catches the edge of his mother's bodice.