Italian School, XVI century.

Italian School, 16th century.
"Madonna del Silenzio"
Oil on panel.
Measurements: 50 x 40 cm; 65 x 55 cm (frame).

The subject of the Madonna del Silenzio became especially famous in the Italian Renaissance, with famous versions by artists such as Marcello Venusti (based on a design by Michelangelo). The Gesture of the Virgin: Mary is often shown making a gesture of silence (putting her finger to her lips) or protecting the sleeping Baby Jesus. The figure of the sleeping Jesus is a prefiguration of the Pietà and his future death on the cross. The silence of the Virgin is not only so as not to wake the child, but an invitation to deep meditation on the mystery of the Redemption.
It is common that in these scenes St. John the Baptist appears as a child, also in an attitude of silence or adoration, reinforcing the sacred character of the scene.