Artwork
The Fourth Wise Virgin
The Fourth Wise Virgin is a print by the Renaissance artist Martin Schongauer. It dates from 1474 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1970.40
- Credit line
- Gift of Mrs. Ralph King and Dudley P. Allen Fund by exchange
About this work
Overview
The Fourth Wise Virgin is a print created by Martin Schongauer in 1474, currently part of the collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
Depicting a serene woman holding a lit candle and a baby, the work likely employs the figure as a symbolic representation rather than a realistic portrayal, suggested by her calm demeanor and the candle’s glow.
Technique & Style
The drawing utilizes detailed linework to render the folds of the subject’s long, flowing dress and the fabric around her feet, while shading techniques, akin to chiaroscuro, create a three-dimensional effect on her attire.
History & Provenance
Created in 1474 by Martin Schongauer, the work’s history prior to its current residence at The Cleveland Museum of Art is not detailed in available information.
Context
The piece reflects late 15th-century artistic practices, particularly in its use of chiaroscuro-like shading to achieve depth, a technique that would influence later European art movements.
Legacy
As a work by Schongauer, it contributes to the understanding of 15th-century printmaking and the evolution of techniques like chiaroscuro in Northern European art.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Martin Schongauer (c. 1450–1453, Colmar – 2 February 1491, Breisach), also known as Martin Schön ("Martin beautiful") or Hübsch Martin ("pretty Martin") by his contemporaries, was an Alsatian engraver and painter. He…
