The Madonna and Child with an Escaped Goldfinch c. early 1630s

This red chalk drawing by Italian Baroque artist Guercino, created around the early 1630s, depicts the Madonna and Child. The composition shows the Virgin Mary holding the Christ child, her gaze directed upward. A small goldfinch, seemingly escaped from its cage, is depicted flying off to the upper left, adding a sense of movement and lightness to the drawing. Guercino, known for his masterful use of light and shadow, is credited with making the figures appear both three-dimensional and full of life. This preparatory drawing, likely intended for a larger painting, showcases the artist's skill in capturing the emotional depth and tenderness of the subject.