Who painted Virgin and Child on a Cloud?

Virgin and Child on a Cloud was painted by Antonio Balestra in 1702.

Where can I see Virgin and Child on a Cloud?

Virgin and Child on a Cloud is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Virgin and Child on a Cloud?

Virgin and Child on a Cloud is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Virgin and Child on a Cloud

Antonio Balestra , 1702

Virgin and Child on a Cloud is an ink print by the Baroque artist Antonio Balestra. It dates from 1702 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

The Latin text at the bottom reads *"Dilectus meus mihi et ego illi"*—meaning "My beloved is mine and I am his.

This drawing shows a woman holding a baby, both floating on a cloud. Above them, two cherubs peek from the edges, one holding a wreath. The woman’s face is calm, her hands gently cradling the child. The lines are dark and detailed, with lots of texture in the clouds and drapery.

The Latin text at the bottom reads *"Dilectus meus mihi et ego illi"*—meaning "My beloved is mine and I am his." This was made in 1702 using a printmaking method.

Next, look up etching to see how artists like Balestra created intricate works like this one.

Overview

Antonio Balestra’s 1702 etching titled *Virgin and Child on a Cloud* presents a serene mother and infant suspended upon a billowing cloud. The composition is framed by two small cherubic figures at the margins, one clutching a wreath, while a Latin inscription runs along the lower edge.

Subject & Meaning

The central figures depict the Virgin Mary cradling the infant Jesus, a conventional devotional theme. The accompanying Latin phrase, *Dilectus meus mihi et ego illi* (“My beloved is mine and I am his”), underscores the reciprocal love between mother and child, reinforcing the work’s religious intent.

Technique & Style

Executed as an etching, the image relies on incised lines that create a dense, textured surface. Balestra employs strong chiaroscuro through dark, precise strokes to model the drapery and clouds, while the delicate rendering of the cherubs adds a lighter counterpoint.

History & Provenance

Created in 1702, the print reflects Balestra’s engagement with devotional subjects during the early 18th century. While specific ownership records are not detailed here, the work remains a representative example of his printmaking output from that period.