Italian School, 17th/Early 18th Century, The Immaculate Conception

The central figure is the Virgin Mary, rendered in a graceful pose, standing upon a crescent moon and crushing the head of a serpent, symbolizing her victory over original sin. Surrounded by a celestial halo of light, she looks down with a sense of humility, her hands gently clasped in prayer. She is draped in the traditional white tunic and a voluminous blue mantle. A white lily, a symbol of purity, is held by a small cherub on her left, emphasizing her immaculate state.
The composition is filled with the dynamic movement characteristic of the Baroque style, with cherubs and putti soaring through clouds, creating an upward motion that suggests spiritual ascent. The dramatic lighting and the

warm, earthy color palette contribute to an atmosphere of solemnity and spirituality. The work is presented in a wooden frame with an arched top, a form that likely indicates it was intended