Virgin and Child c. 1520

Jan Gossart's "Virgin and Child," painted around 1520, is a masterful example of Northern Renaissance art. The painting depicts the Virgin Mary cradling the Christ Child, bathed in a radiant golden light emanating from a halo behind her. The detailed rendering of their faces and the meticulous folds of Mary's robe showcase Gossart's mastery of oil painting. This intimate depiction of the Virgin and Child was a popular subject in the 16th century, reflecting a renewed focus on religious devotion in Northern Europe. The painting is currently housed at the Art Institute of Chicago.