Madonna and Child c. 17th century

Editor: Here we have an interesting print, "Madonna and Child" by Guido Reni. I find the quiet intimacy of the scene quite touching, but also a bit unsettling given the religious context. What do you see in this piece? Curator: It’s the raw humanity amidst divinity, isn't it? Reni captures a tender moment, yes, but with a directness that almost feels… scandalous for its time. It’s not idealized. It’s a mother feeding her child. The halos feel almost like an afterthought. What do you make of the inscription at the bottom? Editor: I confess I don't know Latin... Curator: "Lactasti sacro ubere"—"Thou hast given suck from thy sacred breast." It elevates the everyday act to the divine. Reni is asking us: what is more sacred than this? Editor: That gives me a lot to think about. Curator: It certainly makes you reflect on the sacred.