Who painted Madonna with Skull?

Madonna with Skull was painted by Barthel Beham in 1529.

Where can I see Madonna with Skull?

Madonna with Skull is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Madonna with Skull?

Madonna with Skull is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Madonna with Skull

Barthel Beham , 1529

Madonna with Skull 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

Barthel Beham's 'Madonna with Skull' is a religious engraving from circa 1529, depicting a somber scene of a woman, presumably Mary, holding an infant and a skull.

Subject & Meaning

The subject combines a traditional Christian mother-and-child motif with the unusual inclusion of a skull, a symbol of mortality. This juxtaposition may serve as a contemplation on the transience of life.

Technique & Style

The work is executed in engraving, a technique characteristic of Beham's output. For insight into the stylistic context, examining the broader engraving practices of the time is recommended.

History & Provenance

Created around 1529, specific details regarding the artwork's provenance and historical context are not provided in available information.

Context

The integration of a skull into a traditionally serene religious scene is atypical for its time, suggesting an exploration of deeper thematic elements beyond conventional representation.

Legacy

The enduring interest in 'Madonna with Skull' lies in its unique blend of religious iconography and existential reflection, though its broader influence on subsequent art movements is not detailed here.