MADONNA AND CHILD

This canvas, a delicate portrayal of the Virgin nursing the Child Jesus, is one of the most significant examples of the work carried out in Perugia by Giovan Francesco Cerrini. On his return to Perugia after his Roman sojourn, in about 1660, the painter committed himself to impressing a strongly classicist style, where harmony of form and bright, clear colors would prevail. The composition of the painting mirrors a later work, the Holy Family with Saint Elizabeth and Saint John, now in the National Gallery of Umbria.