Madonna and Child 1775

This pen and brown ink drawing of the Madonna and Child was made by Giuseppe Canale in the late 18th century. Canale was an Italian artist working during a time of significant social and political upheaval, as Enlightenment ideals began to challenge traditional religious and aristocratic structures. The image depicts a tender moment between Mary and the infant Jesus. However, it departs from traditional representations of the Madonna. We see Mary’s humanity, the intimacy and physicality of motherhood. This shift towards more humanistic depictions reflected broader cultural trends emphasizing sentiment and individual experience. By focusing on Mary’s humanity, Canale invites viewers to connect with the divine on a more personal level. The drawing reflects a changing society and the emotional and personal connections within religious narratives.