The Virgin and Child (The Madonna of the Rose) 1480

Giovanni Antonio Boltraffio's "The Virgin and Child (The Madonna of the Rose)", painted in 1480, depicts the Virgin Mary holding the Christ child. The painting is known for its delicate and refined style, characteristic of the artist's early works. The Virgin Mary, dressed in a blue robe and a golden patterned cloak, gazes downwards with a soft expression. The Christ child, nude and with a halo of golden hair, reaches towards a rose at the bottom of the painting. The work's meticulous details and realistic portrayal of the figures are hallmarks of the High Renaissance period, reflecting the influence of Leonardo da Vinci, who Boltraffio studied under. This painting, currently in the Museo Poldi Pezzoli in Milan, is a testament to Boltraffio's mastery of the Florentine style and his talent for capturing the grace and tenderness of the Madonna and Child theme.