The Virgin, Holding a Pear, with the Child
1520
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1520
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Dominant colour
The Virgin, Holding a Pear, with the Child is a 1520 ink by Sebald Beham, a Renaissance work, depicting Breastfeeding, held at National Gallery of Art.
The painting shows the Virgin Mary holding a pear with the Child Jesus. She's gently holding the child, who looks up at her. The detail that makes this work interesting is the way the artist used simple lines to create a sense of calm and intimacy. The artist's use of simple lines and gentle curves creates a feeling of serenity. This style was common during the artist's time, and it adds to the overall quiet mood of the painting. You can learn more about this style by looking into the technique: engraving.
Sebald Beham (1500–1550) was a German painter and printmaker, mainly known for his very small engravings.
See the richer artist page