"The Virgin and Child" is a well-known composition by the Renaissance master Leonardo da Vinci that reveals an endearing family scene rich with displays of intimate tenderness and affection, depicting the Virgin Mary seated in a landscape with the Christ child in her arms. The Virgin is caught in a moment of rapture of motherly love, while Christ child, returns an ambiguous look.

Among the qualities that make Leonardo's work unique are his innovative techniques for laying on the paint; his detailed knowledge of anatomy, light, botany and geology; his interest in physiognomy and the way humans register emotion in expression and gesture; his innovative use of the human form in figurative composition; and his use of subtle gradation of tone.