Adoration of the Christ Child

Correggio's Adoration of the Christ Child from around 1524-1526 shows the Virgin kneeling in worship before the newborn Jesus. The painting's intimate, devotional character reflects the Renaissance emphasis on the Virgin's role as both mother and first worshipper of Christ The Adoration of the Magi and Adoration of the Shepherds were popular subjects that allowed artists to combine devotional feeling with elaborate compositions of figures, animals, and landscape.

The radiant light emanating from the Christ Child illuminates the adoring Virgin's face with characteristic Correggesque warmth, the soft sfumato creating an atmosphere of tender devotion.