Skip to main content

Main Building

Virgin Teaching the Christ Child to Read

c. 1494-1497
Pinturicchio (Bernardino di Betto) (Italian (active central Italy), 1454–1513)
Tales of the Virgin teaching her son to read come from the very popular thirteenth-century text Meditations on the Life of Christ, which narrated many incidents not found in the Bible. The two appear here in the foreground of a landscape in which two other scenes are shown: on the left the Holy Family's flight into Egypt, and on the right the young John the Baptist's retreat into the wilderness.

Object Details

We are always open to learning more about our collections and updating the website. Does this record contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Contact us here.

Please note that this particular artwork might not be on view when you visit. Don’t worry—we have plenty of exhibitions for you to explore.


Main Building