Madonna and Child

Correggio's Madonna and Child (c. 1508) is an early work, possibly his earliest surviving painting, showing the young artist beginning to develop the devotional language that would make him one of the most influential painters of the High Renaissance. At this early date Correggio was still primarily working within the traditions of his northern Italian formation — the influence of Mantegna particularly strong in the sculptural approach to figures — while absorbing the warmth and atmospheric softness of the Leonardo tradition that would gradually dominate his developing style. The work provides essential evidence of his artistic starting point before the full transformation of his Parma years.

The tender interaction between Mother and Child and the developing warmth of palette anticipate Correggio's mature achievements, though the harder modeling reflects his early training in the Emilian tradition.