Artwork
Virgin and Child
Virgin and Child is an unspecified painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Master of the Female Half-Lengths. It dates from 1520 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
The painting 'Virgin and Child' depicts a tender scene of a mother and baby.
Subject & Meaning
The Virgin Mary is shown seated with the Christ child on her lap, the child reaching for her bare breast. She holds a sprig of cherries, a symbol potentially alluding to Christ's future Passion.
Technique & Style
The work is characterized by a naturalistic portrayal of the figures, conveying a sense of warmth and intimacy. The artist's use of rich red and blue fabrics adds to the overall sense of depth and emotion.
Context
The painting was created during a period when artists frequently drew upon and reinterpreted earlier styles, resulting in a blend of traditional and innovative elements.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Master of the Female Half-Lengths
The Master of the Female Half-Lengths is a notname coined by the German art historian Max J.
