Artwork
La Madonna Dell Gatto
La Madonna Dell Gatto is a print by the Romanticist artist Anthony Cardon. It dates from 1802 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
La Madonna Dell Gatto is an 1802 print by Anthony Cardon, reproducing a work by Federico Barocci. The black-and-white image depicts a serene domestic scene on paper.
Subject & Meaning
The print shows a haloed woman (likely the Virgin Mary) with two children on a couch, accompanied by a bearded man (possibly Saint Joseph). The gentle expressions and intimate interactions convey a sense of tender family dynamics.
Technique & Style
As an etched reproduction, the print's style is faithful to Barocci's original, though now in monochrome. The emphasis on soft expressions and draped fabrics suggests a focus on capturing the emotional and textual nuances of the source painting.
History & Provenance
Created in 1802 by Anthony Cardon after Federico Barocci's original, the print's provenance is not detailed here, but it reflects 19th-century practices of reproducing renowned artworks for broader dissemination.
Context
This work sits within the tradition of religious art reproduction common during the period, making iconic scenes accessible beyond their original display contexts.
Legacy
While specific impacts of *La Madonna Dell Gatto* are not highlighted, it contributes to the broader legacy of Barocci's works and the practice of printmaking as a means of art popularization.
Artist & collection
Artist
Anthony Cardon (1772–1813) was a Flemish engraver in chalk or stipple, who made his career in England and became noted for his engravings and book illustrations.
