After Carlo Dolci - The Virgin and Child with Flowers [after 1642]

After Carlo Dolci - The Virgin and Child with Flowers [after 1642], a photo by Gandalf's Gallery on Flickr.

The Virgin holds an entwined branch of lilies and carnations and the Christ Child a red rose. The rose symbolises martyrdom, the Passion (Christ's sufferings before the Crucifixion) and the sorrow of the Virgin. The lily represents the Virgin's purity. Other versions of the design are signed and dated 1642 and 1649. This painting seems to be rather later and may not be entirely by the hand of this artist.

[Oil on canvas, 78.1 x 63.2 cm]