Artwork

The Madonna and Child with an Apple

The Madonna and Child with an Apple, by Annibale Carracci, ink, 1592
The Madonna and Child with an Apple, by Annibale Carracci, ink, 1592

The Madonna and Child with an Apple is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Annibale Carracci. It dates from 1592 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1592, *The Madonna and Child with an Apple* is an etching and engraving on laid paper by Annibale Carracci, a pivotal Italian artist in the transition towards the Baroque style.

Subject & Meaning

Depicting a serene Madonna gently offering an apple to a reaching infant, the work embodies the religious themes prevalent during the period, combining classical serenity with dynamic, lifelike interaction.

Technique & Style

Characterized by dark, precise lines and meticulous shading, the piece showcases Carracci's mastery of etching and engraving. The detailed linework, particularly in drapery and hair, highlights the innovative depth and texture achievable through these techniques in his era.

History & Provenance

Attributed to Annibale Carracci, this print reflects his role, alongside his brother and cousin, in shaping the Baroque movement by blending classical influences with vibrant energy. Provenance details are not specified in the provided information.

Context

Produced in a time emphasizing classical monumentality infused with vitality, the work situates itself within the broader artistic shift towards Baroque, distinguished by its harmonious balance of traditional and emerging stylistic elements.

Legacy

As a work by a key figure in the development of Baroque, *The Madonna and Child with an Apple* contributes to the understanding of the stylistic transition in late 16th-century Italian art, highlighting the technical and aesthetic innovations of its time.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Annibale Carracci

Artist

Annibale Carracci

Annibale Carracci ( kə-RAH-chee, UK also kə-RATCH-ee, Italian: ; November 3, 1560 – July 15, 1609) was an Italian painter and instructor, active in Bologna and later in Rome.

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