Giftof Larry Hartford and Torleif Tandstad,
2016.1.23

Marian imagery is central to Catholic doctrine
and images like this one were common in
Renaissance domestic settings, an important
part of the private devotional practices of
wealthy Italians. Religious artwork supported
private devotional practices at all levels of
society, from middle-class merchants to
royalty, such as the English queen Mary of
Modena, the subject of the elegant Grand
Manner portrait in the adjacent room, and her
husband, King James II and VII of England.
How might the presence of an image of the
Virgin and Child enrich the spiritual life of the
family that displays this in their home?