Virgin and Child with Saints Sebastian, Francis, John the Baptist, Jerome, an unidentified female saint, Saint Anthony of Padua and two donors c. 1515

Editor: This large panel, "Virgin and Child with Saints," by an anonymous artist, is filled with figures. I'm curious about the repetition of gestures, especially hands. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Notice how the arrangement evokes a sense of protection and reverence. The Virgin's hand gestures invite the viewer to contemplate the Christ Child. The surrounding saints, each identifiable through their distinct attributes, such as Saint Sebastian's arrows, contribute to a layered narrative about faith. It's fascinating how visual symbols create an emotional connection. Editor: It's like a conversation through symbols, creating a rich tapestry of meaning! Curator: Precisely. It reveals how shared symbols create collective memory.