Artwork
Virgin and Child with a Rosary
Virgin and Child with a Rosary is an oil painting by the Baroque artist Bartolomé Esteban Murillo. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.
About this work
The work once hung in Spain’s El Escorial Monastery and later in the Palacio Real.
Murillo painted the Virgin and Child with a Rosary in oil paint.
It shows Mary holding the Christ Child while they both hold a rosary.
The scene is calm, with soft light on their faces.
The work once hung in Spain’s El Escorial Monastery and later in the Palacio Real.
Murillo made several similar paintings of this subject around 1650.
It now lives in Madrid’s main museum.
Look up Bartolomé Esteban Murillo to see more of his work.
Overview
Bartolomé Esteban Murillo's painting, Virgin and Child with a Rosary, executed in oil on canvas around 1650-1655, depicts the Virgin Mary tenderly embracing the infant Jesus. Both figures hold a rosary, inviting the viewer into a moment of quiet devotion. This work is a notable example of Murillo's approach to religious subjects, characterized by its emotional depth and accessible portrayal. It is currently housed in the Museo del Prado in Madrid.
Subject & Meaning
The composition features the Virgin Mary seated on a stone bench, supporting the Christ Child who stands with one foot on her leg and the other on the bench. Their cheeks gently touch, conveying a profound sense of maternal affection and filial love. Both Mary and Jesus hold a rosary, presenting it to the viewer as a focal point for prayer. Their direct, solemn gaze establishes a contemplative connection with the spectator, emphasizing the painting's devotional purpose.
History & Provenance
This painting by Murillo has a distinguished history within Spanish collections. It was once part of the royal holdings at the El Escorial Monastery, a significant historical and artistic site. Later, the artwork was transferred to the Palacio Real de Madrid, serving as part of the royal palace's collection. Today, Virgin and Child with a Rosary is a prominent piece in the collection of the Museo del Prado in Madrid, where it remains accessible to the public.
Context
During the mid-17th century, Murillo frequently explored themes of the Virgin and Child, producing several variations on this subject. The Virgin and Child with a Rosary exemplifies his recurring interest in depicting these sacred figures with a sense of human warmth and accessibility. This artistic practice allowed him to refine his compositions and emotional expressions, catering to the devotional needs of his patrons and the broader public.
Own this work as a print
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.
