Italy, States. An Oil Painting of the Madonna and Christ Child, c.1870
A well-preserved oil on canvas painting depicting the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus. The former is shown in a red robe and blue veil, symbolizing her divinity and humanity, respectively, and is topped by a faint halo. Christ is unclothed, with the exception of a white cloth wrap, symbolizing his innocence and purity. He leans his head toward his mother, who gently caresses his head with her cheek. The painting is secured within a cascading, black-painted wooden frame. The reverse is reinforced with magnetic metal bars, and has an additional multi-piece wooden frame to hold the painting in place. Unsigned, the visible portion of the image measures 64.5 cm (w) x 67.5 cm (h), while the frame measures 71 cm (w) x 84 cm (h) overall. Fine cracking consistent with age and storage is visible to the painting without compromising the image, while the interior frame is missing a rivet which has loosened the painting. A superb image in near extremely fine condition.

