Lorenzo di Credi – Madonna and Child with a Pomegranate National Gallery of Art (Washington)

The composition presents a maternal figure seated against a landscape backdrop, holding a small child in her lap. The womans gaze is directed downwards and inwards, suggesting contemplation or tenderness rather than direct engagement with the viewer. Her expression is serene, marked by a gentle melancholy that lends an air of quiet dignity to her presence. A halo encircles her head, signifying her elevated status within the depicted narrative.
The child clings to his mother’s arm while holding a pomegranate. The fruit itself occupies a prominent position in the foreground and draws immediate attention. Its inclusion carries symbolic weight; pomegranates are frequently associated with fertility, abundance, and resurrection across various cultures, hinting at themes of divine grace and future promise. The infants gesture – bringing the fruit towards his mother – can be interpreted as an offering or a shared moment of connection.
The woman’s attire consists of layered fabrics in deep blues and reds, creating visual depth and emphasizing her regal bearing. A decorative brooch adorns her chest, adding to the sense of refinement and status. The folds of her garments are rendered with meticulous detail, demonstrating the artists skill in depicting texture and light.
Behind them stretches a panoramic view – a gently rolling landscape punctuated by distant mountains and a suggestion of urban settlement. This backdrop is painted with a muted palette, creating a sense of distance and ethereal beauty. It serves to contextualize the figures within a broader world while simultaneously isolating them as subjects of profound significance.
The overall effect is one of quiet reverence and understated elegance. The artist has crafted an image that transcends mere representation, inviting contemplation on themes of motherhood, divine grace, and the cyclical nature of life and renewal.