Virgin and Child

Despite his considerable activity as a painter of large-scale altarpieces and frescoed decorative cycles, Pinturicchio also painted a number of smaller devotional works, of which the present panel is a fine example. The Virgin holds the Infant Christ, who, in turn, holds out a goldfinch - a common symbol of his forthcoming Passion.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 9 minutes): Josquin Desprez: Motet (Benedicta es coelorum Regina)