The Virgin and Child at a table with the young John the Baptist 1595 - 1645

Guido Reni's "The Virgin and Child at a table with the young John the Baptist" is an etching that depicts a scene of intimacy and devotion. The Virgin Mary sits with the Christ Child, who holds a dove in his hand, symbolizing peace. Young John the Baptist, the future forerunner of Jesus, offers a simple cross in adoration. The etching's delicate lines and chiaroscuro effects create a sense of depth and emotion. The composition is balanced and serene, reflecting Reni's mastery of both realism and idealism. This etching, dated between 1595 and 1645, can be viewed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.