Bernardino Cesari (1571-1622), Bernardino Cesari (1571-1622) The Madonna and Sleeping Child with Infant Saint John

Oil on canvas, 92 × 73cm

Bernardino Cesari was the brother of the famous Giuseppe Cesari, called Cavaliere D'Arpino (1568–1640) and worked as his assistant.

The baby Jesus is peacefully sleeping upon his bed, his head turned towards the viewer. his head gently turned towards the viewer and resting upon a luxurious, black velvet cushion intricately embroidered. Mary stands beside the bed, her gaze tenderly fixed upon her son as she clasps her hands together in prayer, her demeanor reverent. Dressed in a red dress and blue coat, she is veiled in a delicate shade of pale purple. The composition, symmetrically arranged in a triangular formation, symbolizes the protective embrace of the mother over her child, their parallel head positions reflecting their intimate bond.
The sleeping baby Jesus symbolizes the sacrifice he will later undertake for the redemption of humanity from sin. Positioned on the right against the darkened background, a youthful depiction of John the Baptist appears, his gaze directed outward as he gently gestures with a finger to his lips, signalling for silence so as not to disturb the baby. A gathered green curtain with a gold-embroidered border hangs on the left edge of the picture. Oil on canvas, 92 × 73cm