Madonna and Child c. 17th century

Editor: This is Michel Lasne’s *Madonna and Child.* The image has a certain tenderness about it. What cultural symbols or meanings do you see in this work? Curator: The haloed figures immediately speak to divinity. Note how the Christ Child isn't simply placed *on* Mary, but intertwined with her, suggesting a profound connection, a shared identity. Editor: So, it's more than just a portrait of a mother and child? Curator: Absolutely. Consider the Latin inscription at the bottom. It evokes the Madonna as Mother. It’s an appeal to divine lineage and maternal love. What does that suggest to you? Editor: It hints at the Virgin Mary’s role as both human and divine, and how she represents an ideal. Curator: Precisely. Visual symbols act as cultural shorthand, reminding us of shared stories and values across time. Editor: It's fascinating how much is packed into a single image.