Madonna Aldobrandini
1599
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1599
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This etching shows a woman holding two children, one on each arm. She wears a crown and a long robe, while the kids look small and soft. Behind them, a city skyline and trees fill the background, drawn in fine lines. The artist used shading and cross-hatching to create depth in the faces and fabrics. The lines are precise, making the figures stand out against the lighter background. Next, look up etching to see how this technique works.