Virgin and Child 1475 - 1499

This small-scale oil painting, "Virgin and Child", by Early Netherlandish artist Dieric Bouts, depicts the Virgin Mary nursing the baby Jesus. Created between 1475 and 1499, the intimate scene is set against a patterned background, showcasing the artist's meticulous attention to detail. Bouts's focus on realism and the use of oil paint give the figures a sense of tangible presence, making this work a significant example of Northern Renaissance art. The piece is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.