3-035-459 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Madonna Adoring the Child with Musical Angels, about 1500-1510. Arms crossed in veneration, a youthful Virgin Mary bows her head and looks solemnly at her infant son. He in turn looks out at the viewer and makes the sign of benediction towards her. In a strikingly human gesture, an angel gently holds the shoulder and side of the unsteady child, ensuring that he does not topple forward. Angels on either side of the scene play musical instruments; a trio of angels above kneel on a cloud and sing in accompaniment. The scene takes place under a vaulted ceiling supported by pilasters with Corinthian capitals.