Bidspirit auction | ANTIQUE ITALIAN CATHOLIC MADONNA AND

ANTIQUE ITALIAN CATHOLIC MADONNA AND CHILD ICON - An antique Italian Catholic Madonna and Child icon depicting the infant Christ grasping his mother's left index finger in a typically baby-like way with a bird he caught in flight on a Byzantine-style background in gold leaf, symbolizing the realm of heaven. The bird symbolizes the soul and its resurrection. The bird nourishes itself in the blood of Christ, an act that refers to the Eucharist. Hand painted with tempera on a wood panel. Circa the 16th century, Northern Italy. Dimensions: 18 1/2” x 11 3/4” in. All measurements are approximate