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The Christ Child stands on the Virgin Mary's lap, making a gesture of blessing. She is seated under a red canopy, between John the Baptist and Mary Magdalene, who looks up towards heaven.Mary Magdalene raises up a small pot, a reminder of the spices she used to anoint Christ's body after his death. The Virgin's solemn expression as she rests her head against that of her child is one of maternal tenderness, but also an indication of her grief to come. Along with John the Baptist's cross and Mary Magdalene's ointment, it is a reminder of the fate of the infant on her lap: his crucifixion and death.We do not know which church this altarpiece was made for. It is painted on canvas, so Mantegna could have painted it in his studio in Mantua, rolled it up and sent it to wherever it was required.

The National Gallery, London

London

Title

The Virgin and Child with the Magdalen and Saint John the Baptist

Date

probably 1490-1505

Medium

Egg tempera on canvas

Measurements

H 139.1 x W 116.8 cm

Accession number

NG274

Acquisition method

Bought, 1855

Work type

Painting

The National Gallery, London

Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England

View venue

Artist or maker

Andrea Mantegna

c.1431–1506

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