Artwork
The Virgin and Child
The Virgin and Child is an oil painting by the Spanish Baroque Tenebrist artist Bartolomé Esteban Murillo. It is held in the collection of the Norton Simon Museum.
About this work
Overview
The Virgin and Child is a 17th-century oil painting by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, a prominent Spanish Baroque artist.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts an intimate scene between the Madonna and Child, a recurring theme in Murillo's work. The mother's gentle grasp and downward gaze convey a sense of maternal affection, while the child's calm demeanor engages the viewer.
Technique & Style
The painting exemplifies the tenebrist style, characterized by strong chiaroscuro effects that create a sense of depth and volume. The muted brown background allows the figures to take prominence, while the use of light and shadow accentuates their forms.
History & Provenance
Created in the late 17th century, The Virgin and Child is now part of the Norton Simon Museum's collection.
Artist & collection
Artist
Bartolomé Esteban Murillo ( mure-IL-oh, m(y)uu-REE-oh, Spanish: ; late December 1617, baptised 1 January 1618 – 3 April 1682) was a Spanish Baroque painter.
