Madonna and Child with Little St. John the Baptist (?)

The circular shape of this painting, called a tondo, creates an intimate setting ideally suited for the tender subject of the Virgin and Child. The three figures sit closely together within the circumscribed space. The baby Jesus reaches out to touch his mother’s shoulder, while the young St. John the Baptist watches him affectionately. The dark background enhances the feeling of a family alone together.

Andrea and Raffaello Piccinelli were the sons of a dance instructor from Brescia (hence the name Brescianino) who established himself in Siena in 1505. Andrea painted several surviving works for churches in Siena, often in collaboration with his brother. By 1525 the brothers had transferred to Florence, where Andrea died shortly thereafter.