National Gallery of Australia | Audio Tour | Three Centuries of Italian Art

Moretto, from Brescia, was one of the most distinguished Renaissance painters of the16th century. He was influenced by both the naturalism of Lombardy and the colour and light of Venice. The artist was personally involved in the local movement of Roman Catholic reform and this is reflected in this direct, solemn and moving image of the Madonna and Child which he painted for a patron for private devotion.