Virgin And Child – Lombard School, Late 16th Century

• **Virgin and Child – Lombard School, late 16th century
  Stylistically related to the workshop of Bernardino Campi
  Oil on canvas – Gilt Neo-Gothic frame
  Overall dimensions: approx. 53 × 33 cm Canvas dimensions: approx. 39 x 25 cm**

An elegant Virgin and Child, oil on canvas from the late 16th century, created within the artistic context of the Lombard school. The work presents an intimate scene of devotion: the Virgin, seated, embraces the Infant Jesus with a protective and tender gesture, in an atmosphere of profound, meditative serenity.

The composition, compact and structured according to a pyramidal plan, draws its inspiration from the great masters of Northern Italian Mannerism. The Virgin's inclined face, her serene expression, and the delicate modeling of the flesh tones reflect the characteristic sensibility of the Campi style (Bernardino Campi and his workshop).

The scene stands out against a background of golden and brown clouds, reinforcing the overall spiritual dimension. The warm, almost amber light envelops the figures and gives the painting a very intimate feel, typical of paintings intended for private chapels.

Graphic and Pictorial Analysis
Warm palette: lacquered reds, olive greens, golden ochres—colors very present in Lombard painting of this period.
Treatment of faces: Mannerist softness, subtle transitions, downcast gaze—a common signature in Campi's workshops.
Fluid drapery: rounded folds, warm shadows, influence of late Mannerism.
The Christ Child: standing, blessing, in a simple yet hieratic pose, a direct legacy of the Cinquecento.

Atmospheric background: warm clouds, typical of Lombard painters such as Campi, Gatti, or the early students of Cremona.

Stylistic Affinity with the Workshop of Bernardino Campi
Several elements justify a connection with the circle of Bernardino Campi (1520–1591):
the characteristic tilt of the Virgin's face,
the Mannerist softness of the expressions,
the warm and nuanced palette,
the calm and meditative atmosphere,
the typology of Virgins intended for private devotion, very frequent in the production of the master and his workshop.
This work is therefore perfectly consistent with Campi's output from the years 1570–1590.
Recommended description for sale:

"Lombard School, late 16th century, with stylistic affinity with the workshop of Bernardino Campi."

Historical and Iconographic Context
At the end of the 16th century, Lombardy was one of the most active centers of Mannerist religious painting. The workshops of Cremona, notably that of Bernardino and Giulio Campi, produced a large number of Virgins intended for private devotion. These works, modest in size, combine intimacy, tenderness, and spirituality—just like this painting.
This type of composition contributed to the spread of Marian devotion encouraged by the Counter-Reformation, particularly in homes and small private chapels.

Condition
Canvas cleaned and restored by your workshops:
stable paint layer,
harmonized varnish,
original legibility and light restored.
Presented in a gilt neo-Gothic frame (19th century), finely openwork with pinnacles, perfectly suited to Marian iconography and highly decorative.

Dimensions
Total size with frame: approx. 53 × 33 cm
Canvas slightly smaller

Quality and significance of the work
✓ Fine Lombard devotional painting
✓ Highly successful depiction of Marian intimacy
✓ Strong stylistic connection to the workshop of Bernardino Campi
✓ Warm palette typical of late Mannerism
✓ Ideal size for a collector
✓ Beautiful presentation in an architectural setting

Shipping and insurance information:

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