The Virgin and Child
Antonio del Massaro da Viterbo, called Pastura
"The Virgin and Child" by Antonio del Massaro da Viterbo, known as Pastura, exemplifies the artist's integration of Renaissance ideals with a focus on tender maternal themes. Created in the early 16th century, this work reflects the influence of both the Roman Catholic Church's emphasis on the Virgin Mary and the burgeoning humanist movement, which sought to depict religious figures with greater emotional depth and realism.
"The Virgin and Child," attributed to Antonio del Massaro da Viterbo, known as Pastura, features a serene depiction of the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, characterized by soft, flowing lines and a harmonious color palette dominated by rich blues and warm reds. The composition is marked by a tender interaction between the figures, with Mary's gentle gaze directed towards her son, who is rendered with a sense of innocence and divine presence, set against a subtly detailed background that enhances the intimate atmosphere of the scene.