Giuseppe Milani (Fontanellato, 1716 (?) - Cesena, 1798) - Oil on canvas; cm 288 x 156
Documented in 1748, the painting was carried out for the Conservatory of the Pericolanti. It represents the Virgin, the Child and the Saint Luigi Gonzaga. The latter is prostate with his arms outspread in adoration of the Virgin. Next to the Saint, there is an angel with a lily, that is the symbol of purity, in his hand. There lies the crown, abandoned on the ground by the Saint, in the same way that he of noble origins, abandoned his worldly and noble possessions. An open book lies, to indicate his deep knowledge of the sacred scriptures.
In the centre of the canvas the Virgin is in erect position and her expression is angelic, whilst she holds the child in her arms. Two angels lay crowns on their heads.
In the background there are some angels, a dove and some architectonical elements, such as the slice of the morn, emblematic of the Immaculate Conception.