Madonna and Child c. 1600 - 1601

Guido Reni painted this oil on copper, Madonna and Child, sometime in the early 17th century. Reni was from Bologna, which at this time was part of the Papal States, and the Catholic Church was his most important patron. The church was anxious to win back believers after the Protestant Reformation. This image is of the Madonna, or Virgin Mary, and the infant Jesus, and it's designed to inspire feelings of devotion and piety. In an effort to appeal to and attract as many people as possible, Renaissance and Baroque artists frequently gave the Madonna very ordinary, relatable features. To better understand works like this, scholars research the original social and political context using sources such as letters, journals, and other primary documents. By analyzing the conditions under which art was produced, we can better understand its enduring appeal and significance.