La Madonna Del San Francesco
1850
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1850
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
This print shows a woman holding a baby on a raised platform, surrounded by five other figures. The woman wears a long robe and a serious expression. Two small angels float above her, while two adults stand below—one in a monk’s robe, the other in flowing clothes. A half-naked man with a cross leans against the platform. In front, two cherubs hold up a small altar with a bird inside. The print copies an older painting, but the artist used sharp lines and deep shadows to create drama. Notice how the light makes some figures stand out while others fade into darkness. Look up chiaroscuro next to see how this lighting trick works.
