Tableau Vierge De Lait , 16th Century

Vierge allaitant l'Enfant Jésus dite "Vierge de Lait"
European school, probably Spanish or Italian, XVIᵉ century (in the taste of the late Renaissance)
Oil on antique wood panel, assembled from two boards with original keyed reverse.
This moving depiction of the Virgin Mary feeding the Infant Jesus belongs to the traditional iconography of the Virgo Lactans, a symbol of maternal tenderness and divine protection.
The Madonna's reclining face, with its meditative, gentle gaze, contrasts with the lively expression of the Child turned towards the viewer.

The composition is distinguished by the sobriety of the dark background highlighting the delicate complexions and luminous drapery.
The treatment of hands, faces and transparencies testifies to a Renaissance influence still imbued with medieval spirituality.
The warm palette of browns, deep reds and pearly whites reinforces the intimacy of the scene.

The panel shows beautiful natural aging with network of cracks, wear and old restorations consistent with its period.
Antique reverse with visible wooden reinforcement system, attesting to traditional construction.

A work of domestic devotion or private chapel, this Vierge de Lait is a rare and decorative testimony to religious painting of the XVIᵉ century.

Technique: oil on panel
Period: XVIᵉ century
Condition: wear, old restorations and cracks from use
Subject : Virgin of Milk / Madonna Lactans
Origin: European school