Madonna and Child c. 1450 - 1470

This tiny oval woodcut, ‘Madonna and Child’, probably comes from 15th-century Germany. It shows Mary holding the infant Jesus, both figures framed by a burst of light. The print is hand-colored, a common practice at the time, and its small size suggests it was made for private devotion. Woodcuts like this were relatively cheap to produce, making religious imagery accessible to a wider population beyond the wealthy elite who could afford painted panels. The lack of a known artist is revealing as, at this time, art production was increasingly governed by the guild system. The image carries clear messages, designed to reinforce religious beliefs and social norms. The iconography of the Madonna and Child would have been instantly recognizable and comforting to viewers. To understand the true context, one must research the complex interplay of religious beliefs, social structures, and artistic practices that defined the period.