The Pregnant Virgin
C. 1410
Tempera , Wood
89 × 78 cm
Hungarian National Gallery
This Gothic panel painting is the most charming depiction of the Virgin Mary I have ever seen! Sure, I have a soft spot for wool spinners but there is more to it than that. Set within a comfortable, domestic interior, her relaxed pose and her gentle industry capture all the quiet joy and hope of an expectant mother. (And wouldn’t everybody like to have some handy angels drafting and skeining for her?)
I bet this other Mary wouldn’t look half so grumpy if she had better house angels:
Madonna del Parto
C. 1460
Fresco by Piero della Francesca
