Madonna and Child Reading a Book

Francesco Nuvolone (from 1608 to 1661) was the main protagonist of the Lombard Baroque in the 17th century.Mary with the Baby on her lap is reading a book, almost certainly the Holy Scriptures. She wears a red dress over her white shirt and a blue cloak that wraps her arms and legs. A yellowish veil is laid loosely on top of the head and shoulders. The Child Jesus holds a rose in his right hand, while with his left he grasps the veil of his mother. The rose takes on strongly contrasting meanings: Passion and death, glory and resurrection; in other words, eternal life.Despite their obvious opposition, however, in the Christian religion these entities constitute an inseparable unity. In fact, resurrection cannot be obtained except by passing through death, and glory cannot be reached without passing through peril.Of particular interest is the detail of Jesus's face turned towards the book, as if intent on reading; but he is still too young to be able to read. The painter gave Jesus a deep and understanding expression. Oil on canvas, 94 x 76 cm
Dimensions: cm