Charity 1625 - 1635

"Charity" is a Baroque painting created by Cesare Dandini between 1625 and 1635 and currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The work depicts a young woman, likely the Virgin Mary, holding a child in her lap. Two putti, or winged cherubs, are flanking the woman, one pouring water into a vase and the other holding a burning incense burner. The scene evokes the virtue of charity, as represented by the acts of mercy depicted by the putti. The dramatic composition and vibrant colors are characteristic of the Baroque style, popular in Europe during the 17th century.