The Virgin and Child Adored by Angels 1492

Jean Hey painted “The Virgin and Child Adored by Angels” around 1475 to 1500. This work invites us to consider the intersections of the divine and the human in the late 15th century. Hey, positioned within the artistic milieu of the French court, navigates the complex expectations of religious art while subtly infusing his subjects with humanity. Here, Mary is not merely a symbol, but a woman, her gaze cast downwards, perhaps contemplating the weight of her child's destiny. The angels, with their delicate features, surround the mother and child. The painting reflects the period's evolving attitudes towards women and motherhood, offering a tender portrayal that transcends mere religious iconography. It reminds us of the intimate and personal dimensions of faith.