Home Online catalogues Studi & Schizzi 38. Giovanni di Pietro, called Lo Spagna Perugia circa 1450 – 1528 Spoleto The Virgin Adoring the Child With her hands joined in prayer, the Virgin gazes intently at the Christ Child lying on her knees. Her gesture emphasises the sacred nature of this study, probably a preparatory drawing for a religious commission, but in no way detracts from the palpable affection with which the pair look at one another. Mary’s round, smiling face has a Raphaelesque quality, often found in the art of Lo Spagna. The artist apparently wished to contain this group in a triangular composition, to the extent of altering the anatomy of the figures. The gap between Mary’s upper body and her hips seems abnormally large, but it created enough space for the representation of the child.
With her hands joined in prayer, the Virgin gazes intently at the Christ Child lying on her knees. Her gesture emphasises the sacred nature of this study, probably a preparatory drawing for a religious commission, but in no way detracts from the palpable affection with which the pair look at one another. Mary’s round, smiling face has a Raphaelesque quality, often found in the art of Lo Spagna. The artist apparently wished to contain this group in a triangular composition, to the extent of altering the anatomy of the figures. The gap between Mary’s upper body and her hips seems abnormally large, but it created enough space for the representation of the child.