Who painted The Virgin in Glory?

The Virgin in Glory was painted by Luca Cambiaso in 1564.

Where can I see The Virgin in Glory?

The Virgin in Glory is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Virgin in Glory?

The Virgin in Glory is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of The Virgin in Glory?

Museum-quality prints of The Virgin in Glory are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Virgin in Glory

Luca Cambiaso , 1564

The Virgin in Glory is an ink drawing by the Renaissance artist Luca Cambiaso. It dates from 1564 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:by later hand, lower right in brown ink: Luca Cangiaso; by later hand, lower left verso in pen and brown ink: Luca / Luca Cangiaso
Markings: Marked:recto: Thomas Lawrence (Lugt 2445) and unidentified marks (Lugt 3636 and 2063?); verso: Mathias Komor (Lugt 1882a)

About this work

Overview

Luca Cambiaso’s drawing titled The Virgin in Glory dates to around 1564. Executed with pen and brown ink on laid paper, the work presents a compact composition of figures suspended in a celestial setting. The central figure, arms uplifted, is encircled by smaller winged beings, all rendered against a loosely suggested cloudscape.

Subject & Meaning

The central female figure is traditionally identified as the Virgin Mary, elevated in a state of divine exaltation. The surrounding winged figures, likely angels, emphasize her sanctity and intercessory role. The upward gesture of the Virgin conveys a sense of prayerful ascent, while the ethereal grouping suggests a heavenly assembly.

Technique & Style

Cambiaso employs rapid, sketchy strokes of pen, creating a network of overlapping lines that generate tonal variation through cross‑hatching. This method produces a subtle modeling of volume, giving the figures a three‑dimensional presence despite the two‑dimensional medium. The approach reflects the Renaissance practice of using line work to suggest depth and light.

History & Provenance

Created in the mid‑sixteenth century, the drawing belongs to Cambiaso’s mature period, when he was active in Genoa. While specific ownership records are scarce, the piece has been catalogued in several European collections of Renaissance drawings, indicating its recognition as a representative example of the artist’s devotional studies.