MANTEGNA, Andrea
(b. 1431, Isola di Carturo, d. 1506, Mantova)

Virgin and Child

1480-95
Tempera on canvas, 43 x 31 cm
Accademia Carrara, Bergamo

Around his wrist, Christ is wearing a coral bracelet, the blood-red beads of which are a reference to his death on the Cross. However, coral is also seen as bringing good luck, though the Christ Child, with his upturned eyes, already appears to be beseeching God the Father.