Madonna and Child with Saint Jerome and Saint Bernardino of Siena c. 1480 - 1485

Benvenuto di Giovanni painted this panel, "Madonna and Child with Saint Jerome and Saint Bernardino of Siena," capturing the divine figures amidst symbols of their sanctity. Observe the apple in the Christ Child's hand: a potent symbol of sin. This motif of the apple, linking innocence with the knowledge of good and evil, extends back to antiquity. From the Hesperides' golden apples to the forbidden fruit in Eden, the apple represents temptation, knowledge, and the fall of man. The Madonna’s tender gaze suggests an awareness of her son’s destiny, a sacrifice predetermined by this original sin. It is fascinating how such a simple object has accrued such dense layers of meaning, evolving from pagan myth to Christian doctrine. The subconscious pull of this symbolism continues to engage us, stirring primal memories and anxieties about morality, innocence, and the human condition. Through centuries, the apple remains a poignant reminder of our eternal struggles.