Virgin and Child before a Landscape

The painting depicts the Virgin and Child before a pink granite ledge, an extensive mountainous landscape beyond. The composition, while individual, is reminiscent of Cima’s Virgin and Child before a Landscape at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia, with which Pasqualino would doubtless have been acquainted. The position of the Madonna here, the inclination of her head, the grip of her right hand and the Christ Child’s left foot, planted firmly on his mother’s knee, all recall Cima’s earlier invention. In keeping with Bellinian convention, the Madonna and Child are positioned behind a parapet, accentuating their elevated status in contrast to their viewer. Between graceful fingers, the Madonna holds a small quince, symbolizing rebirth and renewal, and a prophetic sign of Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection.

The panel is signed on the ledge, lower centre: PASVALINVS V P (NV in ligature).