Artwork

The Virgin and Child Surrounded by Saints and Angels

The Virgin and Child Surrounded by Saints and Angels, by Fra Bartolommeo, ink, 1500
The Virgin and Child Surrounded by Saints and Angels, by Fra Bartolommeo, ink, 1500

The Virgin and Child Surrounded by Saints and Angels is an ink drawing by the Renaissance artist Fra Bartolommeo. It dates from 1500 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Virgin and Child Surrounded by Saints and Angels is a drawing by Fra Bartolommeo, created around 1500. It is a religious scene rendered in pen and brown ink with white lead highlights on prepared pink paper.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts the Virgin and Child at its center, surrounded by angels and other figures. A kneeling figure reaches upwards, while another figure crouches nearby, suggesting a scene of devotion or reverence.

Technique & Style

Executed in loose, sketchy lines, the drawing showcases Fra Bartolommeo's use of cross-hatching to create depth and dimension. The pink paper provides a distinctive background that enhances the brown ink and white highlights.

Artist & collection

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