Maria Lactans – A breastfeeding Madonna with Child has been seen throughout history as a symbol of God’s love for humanity.
Most-likely inspired by ancient Egyptian images of the goddess Isis breastfeeding a young Horus, the Maria Lactans were an integral part of Madonna iconography from 1100-1550 CE.
Here are some of my favorite Maria Lactans:
Michaelangelo
Netherlands, early 16th century
Jan Gossaert
Look familiar?
Michelangelo Buonarroti Madonna and Child 1520-25 © Casa Buonarroti, Florence
Madonna and Child c. 1609 Oil on canvas. 1.165m by 0.865m Spada Gallery, Rome. Source
