17th Century, Madonna Of The Milk

17th century Milk Madonna
Oil on panel, 27 x 20 cm - with frame 32.5 x 26 cm

The subject of the work in question is particularly fascinating for its softness and refinement. In fact, it represents the so-called iconography of the Virgo lactans, the Virgin with an uncovered breast, determined to breastfeed the Child. It is a rare representation, of sweetness and meaning, capable of transmitting the depth of the sense of motherhood, to which the delicate play of looks and gestures contributes. In the first version of the iconography, Mary is represented frontally as Mother of God and patroness of mothers: the work has an intimate and maternal character and expresses the human nature inherent in Christ with the divine nature. In the second, the purpose of the composition is to show Mary's predilection for a concretely lived character who, wanting to be presented as an example to be followed by the Church to the community of the faithful, manifests herself in the act of receiving the benevolence of the Virgin. Sometimes her benevolence is addressed to an indefinite group of men, like the souls in Purgatory, who receive relief from their sufferings thanks to the milk she generously bestows upon them.