Mother's Day! While I'm sure that the majority of you have tragic backstories that would prevent you from fully-appreciating the holiday, those few of you who do have mothers, mother-figures, and people-who-are-like-mothers-to-you present in this world had better pony up and make them feel special. Absolutely no excuse.
In keeping with this post's theme, my favorite depiction of the Madonna and Child:
One of my favorites by virtue of how unique it is. How many depictions of the baby Christ have you seen where he appears to be a miniature adult, austere and collected? All of them, right? However, this sculpture done by Antonio Rossellino near the birth of the Renaissance shows a much more natural, almost private moment between the Virgin mother and the infant. As you might expect, it was extremely controversial in its time. Some considered it blasphemous. Fine hairline fractures exist near the Virgin's cloak from where someone attempted to dash it upon the cathedral floor. Thankfully, no significant damage was done to this work. I can attest that it's in beautiful shape these days, and much more appreciated by its audience.