Who painted Child with Three Skulls?

Child with Three Skulls was painted by Barthel Beham in 1529.

Where can I see Child with Three Skulls?

Child with Three Skulls is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Child with Three Skulls?

Child with Three Skulls is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Child with Three Skulls

Barthel Beham , 1529

Child with Three Skulls is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Barthel Beham. It dates from 1529 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Child with Three Skulls is a 1529 engraving by German artist Barthel Beham, featuring a somber scene of a child interacting with skulls.

Subject & Meaning

A child, face obscured, holds three skulls in a triangular arrangement, conveying a contemplative atmosphere that reflects on mortality. The child’s hidden face and curled hand around the skulls emphasize introspection.

Technique & Style

The engraving showcases detailed rendering of the child’s clothing, with intricate folds and textures, characteristic of Beham’s attention to detail in his prints.

History & Provenance

Created in 1529, the work is attributed to Barthel Beham, a figure of the Northern Renaissance, though specific ownership history is not detailed here.

Context

Emerging from the Northern Renaissance, the piece aligns with themes of mortality common during this period, often explored through symbolic and introspective imagery.