Madonna holding a lily branch with the Christ Child on her lap, seated on clouds, surrounded by cherub heads 1570 - 1615

This etching, titled "Madonna holding a lily branch with the Christ Child on her lap, seated on clouds, surrounded by cherub heads", was created by Cherubino Alberti between 1570 and 1615. The piece, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, features a traditional depiction of the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus. The composition, set against a background of clouds, includes a halo surrounding the Virgin Mary and a lily branch held by the Christ child. Five cherub heads, each with a wing, are arranged around the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child, adding a sense of celestial grandeur to the artwork. Alberti's detailed etching technique creates a sense of depth and realism, enhancing the devotional nature of the scene. This piece exemplifies the Renaissance era's fascination with religious themes and classical artistic traditions.