Title: Child with St. John

Artist: Francesco Mazzola

Virgin and Child with St. John the Baptist and Mary Magdalene About 1535–40 Francesco Mazzola called Parmigianino Italian, Parma 1503–Casalmaggiore 1540 Oil on paper laid down on panel This very well preserved picture is unusually painted on seven sheets of paper laid down on panel. The beautiful seated Virgin is looking at her Child embracing the infant St. John the Baptist, both assisted by Mary Magdalene, who is also represented in the distant background being elevated to heaven. The polished and enamel-like surface, the lush landscape, the refined hairstyles of the two women, the interplay of the hands, and the still life with the jewels of Mary Magdalene in the foreground are characteristic of Parmigianino's manner in his full maturity.