Mary and Baby Jesus Paintings encompass a wide range of styles and is generally seen in association with Catholic and Orthodox religious factions more than Christian mythology. These works usually show the Madonna, Mary, in various stages of her biblical importance, from the announcement of the Christ's birth to His death. The icon of the Madonna figure has been pursued by nearly all of the artistic masters in some form or another, usually at the behest of the Catholic Church. Some of these artists include Leonardo Da Vinci, Titian, Durer, Rembrandt, Raphael, El Greco, Michelangelo, and Bouguereau. The origin of Virgin and Child artwork dates back to a little after 400 AD and has been portrayed in nearly every style imaginable from Byzantium styles to modern Surrealism.
The Madonna with her Child is highly symbolic for feminine vs. masculine energies as well as being a symbol of the divine joy of motherhood. Among Catholic believers, Mary embodies everything that a virtuous woman entails and is considered the patron of motherhood and loving kindness as well as the embodiment of femininity and humility. She is typically portrayed by artists as a beautiful woman with a gentle demeanor and is in contact with the Christ regardless of the age at which He is depicted. Nearly all artistic mediums have been used to try and characterize the relationship between Mary and Jesus throughout the millennia, including countless sculptures, paintings, triptychs, and more.
