This painting is entitled “Virgin and Child” and was painted in the 15th century by the artist Andrea Mantegna or by one of his followers.
It has been commonly observed that Baby Jesus in this painting has many markers of Down syndrome. His eyes are slanted, the bridge of His nose is flat, He has a large space between his first and second toes, and His tongue is sticking out, all of which are common in individuals with Down syndrome. There is a debate among art historians as to whether this was on purpose. However, I do not think it really matters whether the artist meant for his Baby Jesus to have Down syndrome or not. The point is that, wittingly or unwittingly, the artist painted Jesus as a child with Down syndrome. This painting is a reminder that, in every person with Down syndrome or any other disability, we witness the face of Christ.
Sophia Decker
It has been commonly observed that Baby Jesus in this painting has many markers of Down syndrome. His eyes are slanted, the bridge of His nose is flat, He has a large space between his first and second toes, and His tongue is sticking out, all of which are common in individuals with Down syndrome. There is a debate among art historians as to whether this was on purpose. However, I do not think it really matters whether the artist meant for his Baby Jesus to have Down syndrome or not. The point is that, wittingly or unwittingly, the artist painted Jesus as a child with Down syndrome. This painting is a reminder that, in every person with Down syndrome or any other disability, we witness the face of Christ.
Sophia Decker
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