Maria mit Kind und dem Johannesknaben

The Virgin and Child with Saint John

The Christ Child holds a pomegranate, a symbol of his future suffering. He is talking to his cousin John the Baptist, identified by his reed cross and camel skin. The book probably refers to Christ's role as God's word made flesh. This is an early work by Filippino, and while the simple, rounded drapery is typical of his style, other elements, such as the Virgin's veil, recall his father Filippo Lippi.