Who painted The Madonna and Child with an Escaped Goldfinch?

The Madonna and Child with an Escaped Goldfinch was painted by Guercino in 1634.

Where can I see The Madonna and Child with an Escaped Goldfinch?

The Madonna and Child with an Escaped Goldfinch is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Madonna and Child with an Escaped Goldfinch?

The Madonna and Child with an Escaped Goldfinch is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of The Madonna and Child with an Escaped Goldfinch?

Museum-quality prints of The Madonna and Child with an Escaped Goldfinch are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Madonna and Child with an Escaped Goldfinch

Guercino , 1634

The Madonna and Child with an Escaped Goldfinch is a chalk drawing by the Baroque artist Guercino. It dates from 1634 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:illegible inscription (now abraded) at lower left; by later hand, lower center verso in graphite (trimmed): DTTS

About this work

Overview

The Madonna and Child with an Escaped Goldfinch is a red chalk drawing on thin laid paper, executed by Guercino around 1634. Characterized by rough, quick lines and a warm, earthy tone, the sketch captures a fleeting moment in a religious scene.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, accompanied by a goldfinch, a symbol often associated with Christ’s future passion. The bird’s apparent escape may intentionally convey a sense of sudden movement.

Technique & Style

Guercino’s use of red chalk on thin laid paper creates a warm, earthy palette. The rough, hasty lines suggest a rapidly executed sketch, contrasting with the more classical balance characteristic of his later work.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1634 by Giovanni Francesco Barbieri (Guercino), an Italian Baroque artist active between Rome and Bologna, transitioning from naturalism to classical styles throughout his career.

Context

This work reflects Guercino’s exploration of light and movement, evident in other pieces from his oeuvre. The simple, flowing attire of the Virgin and her loose hair add to the informal, intimate atmosphere of the sketch.

Legacy

As a characteristic example of Guercino’s red chalk drawings, The Madonna and Child with an Escaped Goldfinch contributes to the artist’s legacy of capturing poignant, dynamic moments in religious themes.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Guercino

Giovanni Francesco Barbieri (8 February 1591 – 22 December 1666), better known as (il) Guercino (Italian pronunciation: ), was an Italian Baroque painter and draftsman from Cento in the Emilia region, who was active in Rome and Bologna.