Artwork

Virgin with the Seated Child

Virgin with the Seated Child, by Andrea del Verrocchio, unspecified, 1470
Virgin with the Seated Child, by Andrea del Verrocchio, unspecified, 1470

Virgin with the Seated Child is an unspecified painting by the Early Renaissance artist Andrea del Verrocchio. It dates from 1470 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

About this work

Overview

Andrea del Verrocchio's Virgin with the Seated Child, painted in 1470 on a poplar panel, is a religious artwork featuring the Christ Child and Mary, now housed at the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

Subject & Meaning

The painting portrays a serene scene of the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, conveying a moment of intimate, quiet interaction between them, underscored by the child's gentle touch and Mary's calm, enigmatic expression.

Technique & Style

The work employs chiaroscuro, leveraging light and shadow to create depth. The color palette contrasts the warm, vibrant tones of Mary's attire (red dress, blue underlayer, dark cloak) with the soft, pale hues of the background landscape, complete with hills and a distant city.

History & Provenance

Created in 1470, the painting is attributed to Andrea del Verrocchio. Its current location is the Gemäldegalerie Berlin, though the full provenance history is not detailed here.

Context

While specific contextual influences are not outlined, the piece reflects the religious art themes prevalent in 15th-century Italy, combining traditional Christian subjects with emerging Renaissance techniques like chiaroscuro.

Legacy

The painting's legacy is not explicitly detailed in the provided information, though its preservation in a major museum like the Gemäldegalerie Berlin suggests recognition of its artistic and historical value.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Andrea del Verrocchio

Artist

Andrea del Verrocchio

Andrea del Verrocchio ( və-ROH-kee-oh, US also -⁠RAW-, Italian: ; born Andrea di Michele di Francesco de' Cioni; c.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Gemäldegalerie Berlin open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.