Virgin and Child

Crayer painted portraits at the Spanish court, and was court painter to Ferdinand and to Philip IV. He also received commissions from churches, monasteries and religious orders.

This half-length representation shows the Mother of God seated on her throne, supporting with loving care the infant Jesus standing on the arm-rest. Her characteristic blue robe falls in soft folds; her body is contoured by the delicate lilac nuances of her dress. The child's light complexion dominates that of the mother, whose features are those often given to the Virgin by Crayer.

Today, the picture is almost square; originally, the Queen of Heaven was shown full-length, but the painting was curtailed, and the lower part painted over.