Madonna and Child Adored by Two Saints 1500 - 1600

This 16th-century drawing, created by an anonymous artist, depicts a scene of adoration, a common theme in Italian Renaissance art. The Virgin Mary, seated on a throne, cradles the Christ Child, while two saints, likely patrons of the work, kneel in reverence before her. The piece is small in size, measuring just 12-1/8 x 9-11/16 inches, and features a delicate, wash-like application of blue pigment. The composition is framed by an elaborate architectural structure adorned with cherubs, highlighting the devotional nature of the subject matter. Currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, this drawing provides a glimpse into the artistic practices and religious beliefs of its time.