Madonna with child 1936

Mikuláš Galanda rendered this *Madonna with Child* using gouache, sometime before his death in 1938. Galanda was a central figure in the development of Slovak modernism. His work often explored themes of national identity, modern life, and the search for new forms of artistic expression. In this piece, the Madonna and Child are depicted with a striking sense of simplicity. The reductive, abstract forms and the use of only red and blue give the image a raw, emotional intensity. This juxtaposition of the sacred and the modern speaks to the complex negotiation of identity, faith and belonging in the face of rapid social change. Galanda’s work resonates with the broader cultural and political currents of his time. As Slovakia navigated its place in a changing Europe, artists like Galanda sought to create images that reflected both their cultural heritage and their aspirations for the future. The emotional core of the piece, the protective embrace, speaks to the timeless human need for safety and connection.