The Virgin

About this work

This is a black-and-white print of a woman holding a baby. She’s dressed in flowing robes, her head covered with a veil. The baby rests against her chest, and her face looks calm, almost sad. The lines are sharp, with lots of cross-hatching to show folds in the fabric and shadows on her face. The print is made using a technique that creates fine, detailed lines—likely etching. This was a common way to make prints in the 1600s, letting artists share their work widely. Check out etching to see how artists like this made prints with needles and acid.