The Madonna of the Swallow
1587
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1587
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This image is an engraving on laid paper, featuring a woman and two children in a natural setting. The woman, dressed in a long robe and head covering, sits on a tree stump, holding a book and looking down at the children. One child sits on her lap, while the other stands beside her, reaching out to touch the first child's hand. In the background, a man sits on a donkey, and a building is visible through the trees. The engraving is detailed, with intricate lines and textures that give it a sense of depth and realism. The technique used in this engraving is cross-hatching, which creates a range of tones and textures. The artist, Carracci, Annibale, was a master of this technique, and it's evident in the level of detail and realism achieved in this piece.