Who painted The Virgin?

The Virgin was painted by Jacques Callot in 1631.

Where can I see The Virgin?

The Virgin is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Virgin?

The Virgin is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

The Virgin

Jacques Callot , 1631

The Virgin is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jacques Callot. It dates from 1631 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Virgin is an etching on laid paper created by Jacques Callot in 1631. It is one of over 1,400 etchings produced by the artist, a prominent figure in old master printmaking.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts a robed woman, identified as the Virgin, with her hands folded in prayer. She is shown standing on a cloudy base with light rays emanating from behind her head, surrounded by smaller narrative scenes in the background.

Technique & Style

Callot employed fine lines to achieve textured effects in the Virgin's clothing and the clouds. The deliberate style of the etching balances simplicity with grandeur, suggesting a sketch-like quality.

Context

The Virgin is part of Callot's extensive body of work, which includes religious imagery alongside depictions of everyday life. His etchings often incorporated detailed landscapes, as seen in the background of this work.