Attributed to Simon Bening 1483/84–1561 Bruges) – Virgin and Child Metropolitan Museum: part 4

The composition presents a maternal figure seated within a meticulously rendered landscape. She holds a small child close, positioned centrally and dominating the foreground with their shared gaze directed towards the viewer. The woman is draped in a dark, voluminous cloak that contrasts sharply with her fair skin and reddish-blonde hair, which cascades down her shoulders. Her expression is one of quiet contemplation, bordering on melancholy, rather than overt joy or maternal exuberance.
The child, partially unclothed, appears to be nursing; the mother’s hand gently guides him towards her breast. The depiction emphasizes a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, yet also maintains a certain distance through the womans reserved demeanor.
Behind them unfolds an expansive vista. A rocky outcrop is visible on the left, giving way to a verdant meadow punctuated by lush foliage. In the middle ground, a river meanders towards a distant village nestled amongst rolling hills. The landscape is rendered with considerable detail and precision, showcasing a keen observation of natural forms. The atmospheric perspective suggests depth, blurring the details of the background elements and creating a sense of vastness.
The color palette is restrained, dominated by earthy greens, browns, and blues, punctuated by the woman’s pale complexion and the childs rosy skin tones. Light falls softly upon them, illuminating their faces and highlighting the textures of their garments.
Subtleties within the scene hint at deeper meanings. The landscape, while idyllic, also possesses a certain stillness, perhaps symbolizing the tranquility of divine grace or the passage of time. The woman’s somber expression could be interpreted as reflecting on her role in salvation history, acknowledging both joy and suffering inherent to motherhood and faith. The childs partial nudity might allude to his innocence and vulnerability, while also referencing classical depictions of infant deities. Overall, the work conveys a sense of quiet piety and profound contemplation, inviting viewers to reflect upon themes of maternal love, divine grace, and the human condition.