Artwork
The Virgin and Child
The Virgin and Child is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Andrea Mantegna. It dates from 1490 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:by later hand, lower center verso in graphite: B.8 I
About this work
Overview
The Virgin and Child is an engraving on laid paper created by Andrea Mantegna around 1490.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving depicts the Virgin Mary seated with the infant Jesus, who gazes up at her. The scene conveys a tender moment between mother and child, with Mary's flowing robe and the baby's curly hair adding to the sense of intimacy.
Technique & Style
Mantegna's engraving is characterized by sharp, sculptural figures and a metallic quality to the landscape. The use of light and shadow creates depth, while diagonal lines in the dark background add texture.
History & Provenance
Created during Mantegna's time leading a workshop in Venice, this print reflects his experimental approach to a traditional religious subject, showcasing his skill as a printmaker and his influence on the development of Renaissance art.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Andrea Mantegna (UK: US:; Italian:; c. 1431 – September 13, 1506) was an Italian Renaissance painter, a student of Roman archaeology, and the son-in-law of Jacopo Bellini. Like other artists of the time, Mantegna…
- The Virgin and Child
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