Madonna of the Pilgrims

Also called Madonna di Loreto. The Virgin appears at her doorstep to two barefoot pilgrims kneeling in the dirt — soles filthy, clothes travel-worn. Scandalized viewers noted the 'dirty feet' immediately. She stands in a contrapposto lifted straight from classical statuary, holding a Christ Child almost too big for her. The painting is still in its original chapel, which is exactly the point: Caravaggio painted it to feel like the Virgin might step out of the frame and greet you.