Virgin and Child 1480 - 1490

This is a panel painting of the Virgin and Child made by a follower of Rogier van der Weyden in the late 15th century. The image is dominated by the tender motif of the Virgin breastfeeding the Christ Child, a symbol deeply rooted in both maternal love and divine nourishment. This intimate gesture of the Virgo Lactans, or nursing Madonna, echoes across centuries, recalling ancient fertility figures and goddesses of nurture. Think of Isis feeding Horus, or even earlier earth mothers offering sustenance. Yet, here, the act is Christianized. Over time, this imagery evolves: the Madonna’s serene expression suggests a quiet acceptance of her divine role, a far cry from earlier, more overtly sexualized depictions of maternal figures. Psychologically, this motif evokes a sense of primal comfort and safety. The bond between mother and child, universal and timeless, engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level, triggering a sense of longing for the security of infancy. The cyclical progression of this symbol has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts.