Who painted Virgin and Child?

Virgin and Child was painted by Hans Memling in 1493.

Where can I see Virgin and Child?

Virgin and Child is held by Art Institute of Chicago.

What movement is Virgin and Child?

Virgin and Child is associated with Northern Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Virgin and Child?

Museum-quality prints of Virgin and Child are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Virgin and Child

Hans Memling , 1493

Virgin and Child is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Hans Memling. It dates from 1493 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

As a religious artwork, the piece represents the traditional Christian devotion to the mother and son, embodying themes of maternal care and divine incarnation.

Hans Memling's 1485 oil painting depicts the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, a composition classified within the religious genre of Early Netherlandish art. The work centers on the main subject of the Madonna and Child, presenting the figures of Mary and the infant Jesus as its primary iconographic focus. As a religious artwork, the piece represents the traditional Christian devotion to the mother and son, embodying themes of maternal care and divine incarnation.

The intimate scale of the panel painting, measuring 34.5 cm in height and 26.8 cm in width, emphasizes a personal, contemplative engagement with these sacred figures.

Technique & Style

The work is executed in oil paint on a wooden panel, reflecting Early Netherlandish techniques of precise detail and luminous color. The composition centers on the Virgin Mary cradling the Christ Child, rendered with delicate modeling and rich textures that emphasize the sacred intimacy of the subject. The painting’s surface retains its original luminosity, though handling over centuries has resulted in minor craquelure consistent with panel support aging.

History & Provenance

The painting Virgin and Child was created by Hans Memling in 1485. Executed in oil on panel, the work belongs to the Early Netherlandish painting movement and depicts the Madonna and Child. The piece is currently held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it is cataloged under the accession number 1933.1050. The artwork measures 34.5 cm in height and 26.8 cm in width.

Context

Hans Memling's Virgin and Child, dated to 1485, stands as a significant example of Early Netherlandish painting. Executed in oil on panel, the work depicts the Madonna and Christ Child, reflecting the religious art conventions of the late 15th-century Low Countries. The painting is currently held by the Art Institute of Chicago, where it has been part of the collection since at least 1933.

Its small scale, measuring 34.5 cm in height and 26.8 cm in width, is characteristic of private devotional images produced during this period. As a work by Memling, it contributes to the understanding of his mature style and the broader context of Northern Renaissance spirituality.

Overview

Hans Memling's 'Virgin and Child' is a religious oil painting from 1493, exemplifying the Northern Renaissance. The work depicts Mary and the Christ Child in a serene domestic setting.