The Visitation
1669
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
1669
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Visitation is a 1669 ink by Carlo Maratta, a Baroque work, depicting Visitation, held at National Gallery of Art.
Two women stand close, one holding a small bundle, the other with hands gently resting on her shoulder. They are dressed in long robes, faces calm, in a quiet outdoor space with trees behind them. This is an etching, a print made by carving lines into a metal plate. The artist used fine lines to show soft light and gentle faces, common in religious scenes from this time. You can see the care in each detail, like folds in fabric and quiet expressions. Look next at the technique: etching, drypoint, aquatint.
