The Madonna Litta
Tempera on panel, transferred to canvas, 42 x 33 cm, by Leonardo da Vinci, c. mid-1490
Hermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg

The attribution of this work remains debated. While some see Leonardo's hand in the delicate rendering of mother and child, others argue for collaboration with his pupil, Giovanni Antonio Boltraffio, citing the harsh outlines and unusual landscape. Executed in tempera on panel, the work features the Virgin Mary breastfeeding the child Jesus in a darkened interior. Jesus is holding a goldfinch, symbolising his future suffering and resurrection. The Louvre holds a preparatory drawing for this painting.