Correggio (Antonio di Pellegrino Allegri), Italian (active Parma), 1489-1534 – Virgin and Child, with Saint Elizabeth and the Young Saint John the Baptist Philadelphia Museum of Art

The composition presents a devotional grouping centered around a maternal figure and two infants. The woman, positioned centrally, gazes directly outward with a solemn expression. Her face is characterized by a delicate melancholy, accentuated by the subtle shadowing beneath her eyes and the slight downturn of her mouth. She wears a blue veil draped over her head and shoulders, contrasting with the deep red of her garment, which draws attention to her chest and upper body. In her hands, she holds out what appears to be food – perhaps grains or small pieces of bread – towards one of the infants nestled close to her.
To her right stands a bearded man, his face etched with an air of quiet contemplation. He is wrapped in dark robes, which contribute to a sense of austerity and gravitas. His gaze is directed towards the infant held by the woman, suggesting a shared responsibility or familial connection.
Between them, a second infant clings to the maternal figure’s side. This child appears smaller and more vulnerable than the one being fed, his body tightly curled against her. He gazes upwards with an expression of innocent trust.
The background is sparsely rendered, consisting primarily of a dark green foliage on the left and a hazy landscape visible through a break in the trees to the right. The limited depth of field focuses attention squarely on the figures themselves. Light falls dramatically across the scene, highlighting certain areas – the woman’s face, the infant being fed, and portions of the mans robes – while leaving others shrouded in shadow. This chiaroscuro effect enhances the emotional intensity of the moment.
The painting conveys a sense of profound piety and familial devotion. The gesture of offering sustenance suggests themes of nourishment, both physical and spiritual. The expressions on the faces of the figures hint at an awareness of their roles within a larger narrative – a quiet acceptance of duty and faith. The overall effect is one of restrained emotion and dignified solemnity, characteristic of devotional art intended to inspire contemplation and reverence.