Virgin and Child with Goldfinch

In this small panel the Virgin holds the blessing Child while he is touching with his left hand the wing of a goldfinch. This lattes one, whose plumage is rendered with delicate naturalism, is really the newest and most successful theme of the painting: it refers to the Passion of Christ, of which the bird is symbol. An inevitable destiny, as it is made explicit by the presence of a thin lace held between the fingers of the Virgin to prevent the bird from escaping.

On the Virgin's head there is a sumptuous crown with relieves made of ‘pastiglia’, originally enriched by element imitating embedded gems. Precious is also the gold background decorated with engraved motifs and with red floral designs in imitation of brocade velvets.

The small size of the panel and the meticulous and precious execution lead to the idea that the artwork was destined for private devotion.