Virgin and Child, late 1430s. In his left hand the Christ Child holds a swallow. Swallows were thought to hibernate during winter in nests of mud. Their re-emergence in spring symbolized the Resurrection of Christ. This painting was probably the central panel of an altarpiece. After the altarpiece was broken up, the work was cut into its present octagonal shape.

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Size: 7932px × 9934px
Photo credit: © Heritage Art/Heritage Images / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: .1376-1457, 15th, art, century, cleveland, di, florence, franchi, heritage, italian, italy, jacopo, museum, painting, rossello, tempera, wood