Who painted Virgin and Child with the Infant St John?

Virgin and Child with the Infant St John was painted by Raphael in 1511.

Where can I see Virgin and Child with the Infant St John?

Virgin and Child with the Infant St John is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

What movement is Virgin and Child with the Infant St John?

Virgin and Child with the Infant St John is associated with High Renaissance.

Artwork

Virgin and Child with the Infant St John

Raphael , 1511

Virgin and Child with the Infant St John is an oil painting by the High Renaissance artist Raphael. It dates from 1511 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The composition brings together these three central figures of Christian theology, illustrating a sacred interaction between the mother of Jesus and his cousin.

This High Renaissance religious painting by Raphael depicts the Virgin Mary alongside the Christ Child and the infant Saint John the Baptist. The composition brings together these three central figures of Christian theology, illustrating a sacred interaction between the mother of Jesus and his cousin. As a work of religious art, the image serves as a visual representation of the holy family's extended circle, emphasizing the connection between the two children who would play pivotal roles in Christian narrative.

The presence of the infant John alongside Jesus and Mary highlights themes of prophecy and recognition common in devotional imagery of the period.

Technique & Style

The work is an oil painting executed on canvas, reflecting Raphael's High Renaissance technique of layered color and soft modeling. The composition displays balanced geometry and tender interaction among the figures, characteristic of the period's religious art. The paint is applied with fine brushwork to render delicate skin tones and drapery, demonstrating mastery of handling and surface finish.

History & Provenance

The painting Virgin and Child with the Infant St John by Raphael is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. The work, executed in oil on canvas, depicts the Virgin Mary with the Christ Child and the infant Saint John the Baptist. While the artwork is confirmed to be part of the museum's holdings, the provided records do not specify a particular inventory or accession number, nor do they list any specific exhibitions in which the piece has been displayed.

Overview

Created around 1511, this oil painting by Raphael presents a devotional scene typical of the High Renaissance. The work shows the Virgin Mary seated with the infant Jesus and a young Saint John the Baptist, set against a modest landscape that includes distant buildings and a figure engaged in field work.

Context

During the High Renaissance, depictions of the Virgin and Child with the infant Saint John were popular devotional images, often intended for private contemplation. Raphael’s treatment reflects the period’s ideals of balanced composition, harmonious color, and serene human interaction.