Artwork
Virgin and Child
Virgin and Child is a print by the Baroque artist Francesco Bartolozzi. It dates from 1740 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This print on paper depicts the Virgin and Child, a motif originally conceived by Parmigianino.
Subject & Meaning
The image shows a haloed woman seated on a draped surface, calmly holding a child. The child's arm is raised, and the woman's hand rests on its head. A crown and coat of arms below suggest a connection to royalty or the church, though the accompanying text is illegible.
Technique & Style
The print employs chiaroscuro, a lighting effect that creates strong contrasts between light and dark. The dark background accentuates the faces of the Virgin and Child, drawing the viewer's attention to them.
Artist & collection
Artist
Francesco Bartolozzi (21 September 1727 – 7 March 1815) was an Italian engraver, whose most productive period was spent in London. He is noted for popularizing the "crayon" method of engraving.
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