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Possibly by Sodoma, 'The Madonna and Child', probably about 1520-30

About the work

In a remote landscape, the Virgin, who is dressed in modest robes, holds the infant Christ and offers him milk. The baby turns away from her breast and smiles at us.

Images of the Virgin breastfeeding, known as ‘Virgo Lactans’, became popular during the Middle Ages as part of the increasing devotion to the Virgin Mary. Her milk was regarded as a sign of her own devotion and sacrifice, symbolically connected to the blood of Christ. Paintings of the Virgin breastfeeding became particularly popular in Tuscany from the fourteenth century onwards. But after the Council of Trent, held between 1545 and 1563, nudity in religious art was discouraged and such images were less frequently commissioned.

The picture is badly disfigured by old varnish, which has darkened. We are not certain that it is by Sodoma but another version (Richter Collection, London), similar in design, is attributed to him.

Key facts

Full title
The Madonna and Child
Artist
Possibly by Sodoma
Artist dates
1477 - 1549
Date made
probably about 1520-30
Medium and support
oil on wood
Dimensions
79.7 × 65.1 cm
Acquisition credit
Bought, 1854
Inventory number
NG246
Location
Not on display
Collection
Main Collection

About this record

If you know more about this painting or have spotted an error, please contact us. Please note that exhibition histories are listed from 2009 onwards. Bibliographies may not be complete; more comprehensive information is available in the National Gallery Library.

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