The Virgin and Child c. 1505 - 1510

This anonymous painting, "The Virgin and Child," from the early 16th century, depicts the Virgin Mary holding the infant Christ. The painting, now in the Städel Museum, features a tender, intimate portrayal of the two figures. The artist uses soft, muted colors, particularly in the Virgin's face, creating a sense of quiet devotion. The ruins in the background may symbolize the fragility of the earthly world, contrasting with the divine permanence of the Virgin and Child. The painting exemplifies the tradition of devotional imagery popular in Renaissance Italy, and its simple yet affecting composition has resonated with viewers for centuries.