The Virgin and Child

The Virgin and Child

Benedetto Montagna

1502

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

The Virgin and Child is a black-and-white engraving featuring a serene scene. The Virgin Mary sits with her hands clasped together in prayer, wearing a hooded cloak and a veil. She is seated on a bench, with a curtain draped behind her. The Christ child sits on her lap, looking up at her with curly hair and a halo. The engraving is rendered in fine lines, with cross-hatching used to create texture and shading. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation, with the Virgin and Child lost in thought. For more on the technique used to create this image, look up engraving.

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