Gospel in Art: Happy the womb that bore you and the breasts you sucked

Madonna Litta (Madonna Lactans), Attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, 1490 © Hermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 12 October 2024
Luke 11:27-28

As Jesus was speaking, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said, 'Happy the womb that bore you and the breasts you sucked!' But he replied, 'Still happier those who hear the word of God and keep it!'

Reflection on the painting

In Mary's prayer from the Gospel of Luke, known as the Magnificat, she proclaims that all generations will call her blessed. In today's Gospel reading, we encounter a woman who does just that, exclaiming to Jesus, "Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you!" This is one of several beatitudes found in the Gospels, and one of only two directed specifically at Mary.

The depiction of the infant Jesus nursing at the breast of Mary, known as the "Maria Lactans" (Mary nursing), is a long-standing tradition in Christian art, particularly popular in the Medieval and Early Renaissance periods. This portrayal emphasises both the humanity and divinity of Christ, highlighting his dependence as a child and reinforcing the idea of the Incarnation-God becoming fully human, to the point of even needing to be nurtured by his mother. These images also underscore the nurturing and maternal role of Mary, also symbolising her nurturing role as the mother of all believers.

Artists used this intimate image of breastfeeding to also evoke a sense of tenderness and closeness of Jesus to his mother. The human vulnerability of Christ in such images helps us to connect with him on a more personal level. As the Renaissance progressed, depictions of Mary and Jesus shifted towards more formal and idealised portrayals, with the "Maria Lactans" tradition becoming less common.

The Madonna Litta, attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, is a striking depiction of the Virgin Mary breastfeeding the infant Jesus. Painted around 1490, this work exemplifies the tender maternal bond between Mary and Christ. The Madonna is portrayed with serene dignity, dressed in vibrant red and blue robes, gently nursing the Christ Child who gazes at her with an expression of innocence. The subtle use of light and delicate modelling of the figures reflect Leonardo's mastery, although there has been some debate regarding whether the painting was entirely executed by Leonardo himself or by his workshop. In his left hand Christ holds a goldfinch, which is symbolic of his future Passion. The painting takes its name from the House of Litta, a Milanese noble family in whose collection it was for much of the nineteenth century.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-11-27-28-2024/