Who painted Madonna and Child with Angels?

Madonna and Child with Angels was painted by Lodovico Carracci in 1602.

Where can I see Madonna and Child with Angels?

Madonna and Child with Angels is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Madonna and Child with Angels?

Madonna and Child with Angels is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Madonna and Child with Angels?

Museum-quality prints of Madonna and Child with Angels are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Madonna and Child with Angels

Lodovico Carracci , 1602

Madonna and Child with Angels is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Lodovico Carracci. It dates from 1602 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The composition presents a devotional scene centered on the Virgin Mary and the infant Jesus, accompanied by a group of cherubic figures.

Lodovico Carracci’s print entitled *Madonna and Child with Angels* was produced in 1602. Executed on laid paper, the work combines etching, engraving, and drypoint, resulting in a monochrome image that measures roughly a typical size for early‑17th‑century prints. The composition presents a devotional scene centered on the Virgin Mary and the infant Jesus, accompanied by a group of cherubic figures.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure is the Virgin, seated and cradling the infant Christ, whose small form is swaddled in a simple cloth. Around them hover several angels whose gestures and gazes convey reverence. The arrangement underscores themes of maternal tenderness and divine intercession, reflecting Counter‑Reformation ideals that emphasized the humanity and accessibility of holy figures.

Technique & Style

Carracci employs a layered approach: fine drypoint lines define delicate facial expressions, while broader etched and engraved strokes render the drapery and winged forms. The contrast between deep, velvety shadows and luminous highlights creates a sense of depth on a flat surface. The overall style merges the clarity of Bolognese classicism with the softer tonal modeling characteristic of early Baroque prints.

History & Provenance

The print was issued shortly after its completion in 1602, likely distributed among devotional collectors in Italy. Copies appear in several 17th‑century print collections, indicating a modest circulation. Today, the work is held in major European and American institutions, where it is cited as an example of Carracci’s printmaking activity alongside his more widely known paintings.