Artwork
The Madonna with the Clock
The Madonna with the Clock is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Israhel van Meckenem. It dates from 1490 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:upper center, in plate: I V M [artist's monogram]; in frame around central image, in plate: Ave potentissima et humilissima virgo Maria. Ave sapientissima et humilissima virgo Maria. Ave benignissima et humilissima virgo Maria. Gratia plena dominus tecum. (Hail most powerful and humblest Virgin Mary. Hail most wise and humblest Virgin Mary. Hail sweetest and humblest Virgin Mary. Full of grace, the Lord is with thee. [translation from Alan Shestack, "Fifteenth Century Engravings of Northern Europe." Exh. catalogue, Washington, D.C.: National Gallery of Art, 1967, no. 211.]; verso, in graphite, by a later hand, lower left: B. 45[?] / G. 176 / Mc 27293; in graphite, by a later hand, lower right: 3 [encircled] / C2286
- Markings
- Marked:none
About this work
Overview
The Madonna with the Clock is a circular engraving on laid paper created by Israhel van Meckenem around 1490. It is a representative work of the artist, who was a prolific German printmaker and goldsmith active in the late 15th century.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving depicts the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child surrounded by two angels, set within an ornate border with Latin text. The scene is characteristic of late medieval devotional imagery, with the Christ Child reaching out to touch a clock, possibly symbolizing the passage of time.
Technique & Style
The engraving showcases intricate cross-hatching, which creates a sense of depth and texture. Shading is used to add volume to the figures, making them appear more lifelike. The level of detail achieved through these techniques demonstrates the artist's skill.
History & Provenance
Israhel van Meckenem was active from 1465 to 1503 and produced over 620 prints, many based on works by other artists. His career overlapped with that of Albrecht Dürer, a notable contemporary.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Israhel van Meckenem (c. 1445 – 10 November 1503), also known as Israhel van Meckenem the Younger, was a German printmaker and goldsmith, perhaps of a Dutch family origin. He was the most prolific engraver of the…
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