The Madonna and Child, an iconic and tender image so layered with meaning, mystery, beauty and an earthy simplicity does bring to mind a certain sense of Christmas.

And as Christmas nears I would like to share some snapshots taken on past travels in Sicily (and Rome) which capture some of the splendour of Mother and Child.

The near dozen images below are from the Regional Art Gallery of Sicily on Via Alloro, Palermo, the Mother Church of Polizzi Generosa on Via Roma and a side chapel, Cappella Cavalletti, in the Basilica of Sant’Agostino in Rome where Caravaggio’s moving Madonna of Loreto is housed.

Eleven radiant images

Adorazione dei Magi (Adoration of the Magi) from the School of Anversa 16th century, Regional Art Gallery of Sicily, Palermo

Madonna in Trona Che Allatta Il Bambino Tra I Santi (Madonna who breastfeeds the Baby enthroned by the saints) by Tommaso de Vigilia 15th century. Regional Art Gallery of Sicily, Palermo

Madonna col Il Bambino Tra I Santi Pietro e Giovanni Evangelista ( Madonna with the Baby between the Saints Peter and John) 15th century by Il Maestro del trittico di Alcamo. Regional Art Gallery of Sicily, Palermo

Madonna Col Bambino ( Madonna with the Baby) by Antonello Gagini late 15th early 16th century, Regional Art Gallery of Sicily, Palermo

Madonna del Fiore ( Madonna of the Flowers) by Il Maestro del Polittico di Trapani 15th century, Regional Art Gallery of Sicily, Palermo.

Madonna Col Bambino ( Madonna with the Baby) Antonello Gagini, Regional Art Gallery of Sicily, Palermo

Madonna Del Latte ( Madonna of the Milk) by Domenico Gagini 15th century, Regional Art Gallery of Sicily, Palermo

Madonna Che Allatta Il Bambino tra S Barbara e S, Agata. (Madonna who Breastfeeds the Baby with the saints Barbara and Agata). 15th century. Regional Art Gallery of Sicily, Palermo.