Virgin and Child 1490 - 1496

Ercole de' Roberti's *Virgin and Child* (1490 - 1496) is a small, intimate painting that depicts the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child. The painting, currently located in The Art Institute of Chicago, features a serene Virgin Mary wearing a green and red robe, holding the Christ child who is eating cherries. The painting exemplifies the style of the early Italian Renaissance, characterized by a focus on naturalism and human form. Roberti’s use of vibrant colors and meticulous detail, especially in the figures’ hands, showcase the influence of the Florentine masters, particularly Leonardo da Vinci. This painting is a testament to the artistic skill and religious devotion that defined the Italian Renaissance.