
Collection Online as of February 5, 2023
(Italian, c.1376–1457)
Tempera on wood
Holden Collection 1916.814
not on view
In his left hand the Christ Child holds a swallow. Swallows were thought to hibernate during winter in nests of mud. Their re-emergence in spring symbolized the Resurrection of Christ. This painting was probably the central panel of an altarpiece. After the altarpiece was broken up, the work was cut into its present octagonal shape.