Who painted Attributes of the Virgin?

Attributes of the Virgin was painted by Jacques Callot in 1634.

Where can I see Attributes of the Virgin?

Attributes of the Virgin is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Attributes of the Virgin?

Attributes of the Virgin is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Attributes of the Virgin

Jacques Callot , 1634

Attributes of the Virgin is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jacques Callot. It dates from 1634 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created around 1634, this etching on laid paper presents the Virgin Mary amidst a collection of emblematic items.

About this work

Overview

Executed by Jacques Callot, a French printmaker active in the Duchy of Lorraine, the work belongs to his extensive output of more than a thousand etched plates.

Created around 1634, this etching on laid paper presents the Virgin Mary amidst a collection of emblematic items. The composition reflects the conventions of early‑17th‑century religious imagery, arranging symbolic objects to convey theological ideas. Executed by Jacques Callot, a French printmaker active in the Duchy of Lorraine, the work belongs to his extensive output of more than a thousand etched plates.

Subject & Meaning

At the centre stands the Virgin, holding a book and a white lily, both traditional signs of her purity and divine wisdom. A crown hovers above her head, indicating her status as Queen of Heaven. Surrounding her are additional attributes—such as a rosary and a veil—that reinforce her role within Catholic devotion and the iconographic program of the period.

Technique & Style

Callot employed the etching process, drawing fine lines directly onto a copper plate coated with acid‑resistant ground. The resulting incisions produce delicate textures and subtle gradations of tone, allowing intricate detail in the surrounding symbols. The use of laid paper, with its ribbed texture, enhances the line work and contributes to the overall clarity of the image.

History & Provenance

Jacques Callot (1592–1635) was a prolific baroque draftsman whose prints documented a wide range of subjects, from military scenes to devotional subjects. This particular plate is part of his religious series, which circulated among collectors and devotional contexts in the mid‑17th century. The etching has survived in several impressions, indicating its popularity and the continued interest in Callot’s graphic oeuvre.