The Virgin and Child on a Grassy Bank
1631
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
Artist
Jan Miel
Jan Miel (1599 – April 1664) was a Flemish painter and engraver who was active in Italy.
See the richer artist page1631
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Virgin and Child on a Grassy Bank is a 1631 ink by Jan Miel, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This etching shows a woman holding a baby on a patch of grass. The woman’s face is turned slightly, her hair loose and flowing. The baby reaches out toward her, and both are surrounded by delicate leaves and small plants. The lines are tight and detailed, especially in their clothes and the grass beneath them. The artist used shading to make the folds of their robes look real, with lots of cross-hatching. This was a common way to add depth in etchings back then. Look up etching to see how artists like this made prints with acid and needles.
Jan Miel (1599 – April 1664) was a Flemish painter and engraver who was active in Italy.
See the richer artist page
