Virgin Nursing the Christ Child 1636 - 1646

Stefano della Bella's etching "Virgin Nursing the Christ Child" (1636-46) depicts a tender scene of the Virgin Mary, her face subtly turned away from the viewer as she nurses the Christ child. The composition is set within an oval frame, creating an intimate and focused vignette of the two figures. The drawing is characterized by delicate lines and subtle shading, highlighting the soft curves of the Virgin's drapery and the child's rounded form. The window behind the pair, offering a view of a distant landscape, adds a sense of depth and context to the scene. This artwork exemplifies della Bella's mastery of etching and his ability to portray emotional nuance through fine detail.