CARAVAGGIO
(b. 1571, Caravaggio, d. 1610, Porto Ercole)

The Seven Acts of Mercy (detail)

c. 1607
Oil on canvas
Pio Monte della Misericordia, Naples

Two angels, who are embracing one another, hover down from heaven on powerful wings. They offer the Madonna and her child protection, without carrying them, so that the Christ-child can observe the night's activities on earth along with his mother.