Artwork

The Marriage of the Virgin

The Marriage of the Virgin, by Gian Jacopo Caraglio, ink, 1526
The Marriage of the Virgin, by Gian Jacopo Caraglio, ink, 1526

The Marriage of the Virgin is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Gian Jacopo Caraglio. It dates from 1526 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Marriage of the Virgin is an engraving on laid paper created by Gian Jacopo Caraglio around 1526.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving depicts the marriage ceremony of the Virgin Mary, set within a grand, pillared building. Mary stands before a priest, surrounded by onlookers, including possibly her mother, Saint Anne. The scene conveys a sense of solemnity and reverence.

Technique & Style

The engraving is characterized by fine detail and intricate lines, achieved through the artist's use of cross-hatching. This technique creates a sense of volume and depth, drawing the viewer's eye into the scene. The resulting textures and dimensionality add to the overall realism of the image.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.