Flemish school; 16th century."Virgin and Child.Oil on oak panel.It has restorations.Measurements: 33,5 x 26 cm; 55 x 47 cm (frame).On the lunar crescent as an Immaculate, the Virgin holds the Child in her arms, both submerged in a golden halo that represents the glorification of the Christian religion. The protagonists are delimited by a large rosary that surrounds the scene and is held by several little angels. In the 16th century, as a result of the introduction of the novelties of the Italian Renaissance, the Flemish style evolved towards a more classical and sculptural sense, while retaining its own characteristics. This change also affected the Hispano-Flemish school, which also had independent channels for the penetration of the Italian style. Influences mainly came to Spain from Raphael and his followers, through engravings, oil paintings and painters who travelled between the two countries. This influence can be seen in this work in the monumentalisation of the figures and in the movement of the body of the little Jesus, as well as in other details such as the dynamism of the Virgin's hair.The Virgin of the Milk is one of the most popular themes in Spanish popular devotion. It is a very ancient theme in Christian iconography, as the earliest examples date from the 4th century. From the Middle Ages onwards, painters used this theme to present Mary as an intercessor between God and mankind, a role frequently symbolised by the act of suckling the Child. At the same time, the theme of the Virgin of the Milk emphasises the human nature of Jesus as the son of Mary. In the field of popular devotion it was a very successful theme, as the depiction focused on maternal love. Progressive naturalism, and especially realism and the Flemish school's taste for depicting everyday scenes, meant that this theme came to be represented in a more human manner, eliminating mystical allusions such as the archangels or the Heavenly Jerusalem, thus emphasising the relationship between mother and child in such a way as to move the spirit of the faithful, as it was something close to them and familiar to them.