Madonna and Child. St. George and a holy bishop (St. Maurilius) Battista Dossi (Battista de Luteri) (1490-1548)

The composition presents a complex devotional scene arranged around a central grouping of figures within a shallow pictorial space. A woman, presumably a Madonna, sits enthroned upon a stone platform, holding an infant in her lap. Her posture and gesture – an open hand extended towards the kneeling figure to her left – suggests blessing or intercession. The child appears calm and observant, his gaze directed outward.
To the Madonna’s right stands a youthful male figure clad in armor, bearing a lance and shield emblazoned with what seems to be a dragons tail. He is positioned at a lower level than the central figures, creating a visual hierarchy that emphasizes the Madonna and Child. The warrior’s stance conveys both readiness and deference.
A bearded man, dressed in elaborate ecclesiastical robes of red and gold, kneels before the Madonna, his hands pressed together in prayer or supplication. His face is rendered with considerable detail, conveying an expression of reverence and perhaps humility. He appears to be a bishop, judging by his attire and demeanor.
The setting is divided into distinct zones. Behind the figures, a shadowed architectural structure provides a backdrop, hinting at a sacred space – perhaps a church or sanctuary. Beyond this, a landscape unfolds, revealing a distant town nestled within rolling hills beneath a dramatic sky filled with turbulent clouds. The foliage to the left of the composition adds depth and frames the scene.
Subtleties in the painting suggest layers of meaning beyond the immediate devotional narrative. The presence of the warrior figure evokes themes of protection and divine assistance against adversity, potentially symbolizing triumph over evil or paganism. His shield’s emblem – the dragons tail – further reinforces this idea. The landscape, with its distant town and stormy sky, might represent the world in need of salvation, contrasting with the serenity and grace embodied by the Madonna and Child.
The artist’s use of light is significant; it illuminates the central figures while leaving other areas in shadow, drawing attention to their importance within the narrative. The overall effect is one of solemnity and reverence, inviting contemplation on themes of faith, protection, and divine mercy.