Virgin and Child 1485 - 1499

Francesco di Simone Ferrucci crafted this terracotta relief of the Virgin and Child in Florence during the late 15th century. During the Renaissance, representations of the Virgin Mary and infant Jesus weren't just religious icons; they were powerful symbols deeply embedded in the social fabric of Florence. Motherhood, seen as the epitome of female virtue, was venerated, and the image of Mary reinforced these cultural values. What strikes me is the tender vulnerability of the figures, in stark contrast to the stone that forms them. The artist deviates from more rigid and formal depictions, opting for a gentler, human portrayal. The gaze between mother and child invites us to consider the complex relationship between the divine and the everyday. The artwork gives a personal dimension to the narrative. Through this intimate portrayal, Ferrucci captures not only a sacred bond but also reflects the societal expectations and emotional realities tied to motherhood in Renaissance Florence.