Lorenzo di Credi, an Italian Renaissance painter, was a famous Florentine painter who worked at the studio of Andrea del Verrocchio alongside Leonardo da Vinci, whose art style influenced Credi’s. Many religious and mythological-themed artworks by Leonardo de Credi are housed in various museums and collections, including his own portrait at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC. The above painting is one such example of brilliant works by Di Credi. Titled ‘The Virgin and Child’, this painting depicts the Virgin Mary seated in front of us in a serene expression, draped in simple clothes as she breastfeeds her child. The child, Jesus Christ, looks keenly at the viewer while trying to look at his mother. A sacred, pious moment has been captured by Lorenzo di Credi that brings the Divine figure much closer to his devotees. The artist has used refined oils to create a polished finish. The deep red and blue shades often associated with Christianity are also seen here, blended nicely with the neutral background. Many of his paintings were often commissioned by the powerful families of Italy. Similarly, it is plausible that this art piece was also ordered by an Italian family.
The painting entitled ‘The Virgin and Child’ is a beautiful illustration by Lorenzo di Credi. It captures a lovely intimate moment between Mary and her infant Christ. The paining is an excellent example of religious painting, marked by the illustration of mother's love for her child- Jesus Christ.
