Antique painting on copper - 17th/18th century - Virgin and Child asleep

This painting is a devotional artwork depicting the Virgin and Child asleep, a recurring theme in sacred art, particularly between the 17th and 18th centuries. Key features: Subject and iconography: The work depicts the crowned Virgin Mary in adoration (with clasped hands) of the Infant Jesus, who rests peacefully beside her on a pillow. This iconography of the sleeping Child is often symbolic, foreshadowing the death and resurrection of Christ. Style and period: The painting's style suggests an early European production, likely Italian, dating from the 17th or early 18th century, as confirmed by similar works found at auction. Dimensions: 25 cm X 20 cm.