Madonna and Child with St. Anne

This is one of Caravaggio’s mature religious works which was not as successful as his other paintings. These figures are projected in light while the entire canvas is in darkness. The orthodox presentation was considered as indecent by the Church officials who ordered it to be removed from St. Peter’s only after two days when it was put up.

Virgin Mary occupies the center of the frame with her infant son and steps onto a serpent which represents sinfulness and evil deeds. Jesus is sans clothes while both the mother and son are barefooted. An old, wrinkled grandmother viewing the whole spectacle is also seen present in the scene.

This Italian Baroque oil on canvas painting measures 339.1 cm × 199.5 cm (133.5 in × 78.5 in).  It is housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, United States.