Madonna and Child 1651

This 17th-century painting by Carlo Dolci depicts a tender moment between the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child. The painting is characteristic of Dolci's style, known for its meticulous detail, soft and subtle colors, and idealized figures. The Madonna's gentle gaze and the Christ Child's delicate features evoke a sense of piety and devotion, making it a powerful image for Catholic viewers of the time. The painting, like many of Dolci's works, is small in scale, suggesting it was intended for private devotion rather than public display.