The Virgin with the Infant Jesus and St. John 

This drawing by Palma il Giovane, a prominent Venetian artist of the late Renaissance, depicts a tender scene of the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus and St. John the Baptist. Executed in a loose, gestural style typical of preparatory sketches, the composition emphasizes the intimate relationship between the figures. Palma il Giovane's signature in the lower right corner confirms his authorship of this artwork. The drawing, likely intended as a study for a larger painting, showcases the artist's mastery of form and the evocative power of his line. The "Virgin and Child" is a popular motif in Christian art, representing the divine love and protection bestowed upon humanity.