Virgin and Child in a Landscape c. 1492 - 1498

"Virgin and Child in a Landscape" is an oil painting on panel from the late 15th century, housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. This work, by an anonymous artist, depicts the Virgin Mary seated in a lush landscape, holding the Christ Child who is pointing to an open book. The scene, characteristic of Northern Renaissance art, combines religious imagery with a detailed and realistic depiction of nature. The peacock, a symbol of immortality, and the irises, representing purity, contribute to the rich symbolism of the composition.