Madonna and Child
c. 1490
Carlo Crivelli loved to show off his incredible attention to detail, and this painting is a perfect example. Look closely at the bottom left ledge—there’s a tiny, hyper-realistic fly buzzing around, a classic trompe-l'œil trick to prove his skill to the viewer. Above the Virgin Mary, a giant cucumber and ripe peaches hang from a draped cloth, adding a strange, almost surreal touch to this holy scene. The baby Jesus clutches a goldfinch, a symbol of his future sacrifice, while Mary looks on with a solemn, distant expression typical of Crivelli's unique, slightly angular style.
Location: National Gallery, London
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