The Virgin and Child c. 1520 - 1530

Bernard van Orley rendered this panel of the Virgin and Child in oil on wood around 1525, with the painting now residing in the Rijksmuseum. Here, the tender embrace between mother and child is more than mere affection; it is a powerful symbol, a "pathos formula." The Virgin's veil, for instance, transcends its simple function, echoing ancient Roman representations of veiled figures signifying sanctity and protection. The intimate kiss reminds one of the many Renaissance depictions of the Madonna, each echoing Byzantine icons, where the Virgin's gentle inclination signifies divine love. Such gestures burrow into our collective memory. This image evokes intense feelings, engaging us at a subconscious level. Like a recurring dream, this intimate scene resurfaces, adapting yet remaining fundamentally the same, across eras and cultures.