Who painted The Virgin and Child with a Monkey?

The Virgin and Child with a Monkey was painted by Albrecht Dürer in 1498.

Where can I see The Virgin and Child with a Monkey?

The Virgin and Child with a Monkey is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Virgin and Child with a Monkey?

The Virgin and Child with a Monkey is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

The Virgin and Child with a Monkey

Albrecht Dürer , 1498

The Virgin and Child with a Monkey is a print by the Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1498 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Virgin and Child with a Monkey is a print by Albrecht Dürer depicting the Virgin Mary and Christ child in a garden.

Subject & Meaning

The scene is rich in symbolism, with the bird held by Christ representing souls to be saved, and the chained monkey signifying the taming of sinful desires through Mary's virtue.

Technique & Style

Dürer's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and volume, with light and shadow used to model the figures and their surroundings.

Context

The print reflects Catholic theology of the Renaissance, which associated the Virgin Mary with purity and the overcoming of original sin, often through botanical and zoological symbols.