The infant Jesus with a Lamb 1525

Bernardino Luini painted "The Infant Jesus with a Lamb" in Milan, likely in the early 16th century. The image is dominated by two symbols: the Christ Child and the lamb. In Christian iconography, the lamb represents innocence and sacrifice, prefiguring Christ's own destiny. Think back to ancient Greece; the lamb was a common offering to the gods. This motif then evolves, taking on new, deeper spiritual meanings. We see it echoed through time, from early Christian catacombs to Renaissance paintings like this one. The embrace of the lamb is not just a tender scene but a potent symbol of Christ as both the Shepherd and the sacrificial Lamb of God. This image taps into our collective memory, engaging viewers on a subconscious level with themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption. This symbol transcends time and space, evoking a powerful, emotional response.