paintings

Playing innocently with a bird, Baby Jesus sits on Mary's lap in this endearing painting by Fernando Sayan Polo. A replica from the Cuzco School of Religious Portraiture, the composition conveys Christ's love for all creatures. Sayan shows his expertise in the beautiful details as he paints with oils and bronze leaf applications.

Titled "La virgen del pajarito" in Spanish.

Ghanaian artist Alex Mensah reflects on the joys of motherhood, saying "Children are an inheritance from God. A childless married woman who has been denied after so many years finally gets a bouncing baby boy. She can't hide her joy and pride, so she carries her miracle with her wherever she goes." Against colorful, abstract designs, a mother carries her baby slung over her back, the duo depicted in an expressionist style.

Using pink, purple, and blue color blocks, Harman in Java creates this heartwarming painting depicting the love between a mother and her child. "Every child gets their first lesson from Mother in the simple language of love," the artist says, commenting on the idea behind his painting.

The close bond between mother and daughter is portrayed in abstract form in this outstanding folk painting by Indian artist Bharti Dayal. Both mother and daughter have abstract features and are dressed in traditional and richly adorned Hindu attire and jewelry. The child feels protected by her mother and believes that with her she is safe from all the dangers of the world. The multicolored painting in Madhubani style is created with acrylic paint and vegetable dyes applied with brushes, sharpened reeds and pen nibs on handmade paper.

Colorful feathers adorn this gorgeous Gond painting by Vidushini in honor of mothers and their unconditional love. Drawing inspiration from nature, the Indian artist uses acrylic on handmade paper to depict little chicks asking their mother for food, a scene that can be found in several family portraits around the world.