Virgin and Child 1625

Peter Paul Rubens painted this “Virgin and Child” as a devotional work; its dimensions are 151 by 106 centimeters. Rubens, a leading figure of the Flemish Baroque, situates the Virgin Mary within a rich tapestry of roses and foliage, presenting her as a nurturing mother. The act of breastfeeding is boldly depicted, challenging the more reserved representations of motherhood common at the time. While remaining within the traditional iconography of the Madonna and Child, there is an emotional intensity that feels new. Note the open book and the ripe fruit—symbols of knowledge and abundance. Rubens’s Virgin is not just a religious icon, but a woman engaged with the world, offering sustenance and guidance. This depiction fosters a connection between the divine and the everyday, inviting viewers to contemplate the sacred within the maternal bond.