Madonna and Child with Infant John the Baptist and Ecclesiastic Saint n.d.

Giuseppe Bernardino Bison created this pen and brown ink wash drawing, titled *Madonna and Child with Infant John the Baptist and Ecclesiastic Saint,* during a period of immense social change in Europe. Bison, working in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, straddled the line between the Rococo and Neoclassical periods. His work often reflects the influence of both styles, as seen here in the delicate lines and emotional expressiveness, combined with the more structured composition. Religious imagery was pervasive, but artists were beginning to explore more personal and expressive interpretations. In this intimate scene, we witness the tenderness of motherhood, the innocence of childhood, and the solemnity of religious devotion, all coexisting in the same space. Despite its traditional subject, the drawing hints at a shift towards more humanistic representations of religious figures. The emotional connection between the Madonna and Child feels palpable, inviting us to reflect on our own experiences of love, family, and faith. This drawing serves as a reminder of the enduring power of art to connect us to both the past and present.