Artwork
The Infant Saint John
The Infant Saint John is an ink print by the Baroque artist Simone Cantarini. It dates from 1630 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Infant Saint John is an etching on laid paper created by Simone Cantarini around 1630. It is a small, simply composed print that showcases the artist's skill in capturing delicate textures and details.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts a young child, likely the infant Saint John the Baptist, surrounded by minimal surroundings. The simplicity of the composition emphasizes the subject's gentle features and soft textures.
Technique & Style
Cantarini employed the etching technique to achieve a range of delicate effects, from the softness of the child's skin to the folds of the surrounding cloth. The print's luminous quality is characteristic of his printmaking style, which blended Bolognese classicism with naturalistic detail.
Artist & collection
Artist
Simone Cantarini or Simone da Pesaro, called il Pesarese (Baptized on 21 August 1612 – 15 October 1648) was an Italian painter and etcher.
