I took this photo while visiting The Bowers Museum of Cultural Art, in Santa Ana, CA. I found this portrait to be warm and intimate, touching and sincere, and breathtakingly beautiful. The purple shawl reflects many things, but for me it represents the unconditional love and protection a mother feels towards her child.

What a great photo challenge contribution. I love all the ways the Madonna is depicted and this one is so loving and tender and the purple shawl adds so much depth and meaning to this rendition.
Agreed!!
It is breathtaking. I shows the loving bond between a mom and her child. Perfect choice. Thanks.
I am so delighted to stumble upon Madonna and Child. Love your comment as well as the three additional comments.
Edith Catlin Phelps was a Renaissance woman – very talented in several art forms. Special for me are my memories of her, my Grandmother.
Phelps Hobat