Who painted The Virgin and Child with Angels?

The Virgin and Child with Angels was painted by Vivant Denon in 1786.

Where can I see The Virgin and Child with Angels?

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

What movement is The Virgin and Child with Angels?

The Virgin and Child with Angels is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

The Virgin and Child with Angels

Vivant Denon , 1786

The Virgin and Child with Angels is an ink print by the Baroque artist Vivant Denon. It dates from 1786 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Vivant Denon’s 1786 etching titled *The Virgin and Child with Angels* presents a monochrome composition on laid paper.

Vivant Denon’s 1786 etching titled *The Virgin and Child with Angels* presents a monochrome composition on laid paper. The central figure, a modestly dressed woman, cradles an infant, while three diminutive companions surround them. Two of these figures possess wings, identifying them as angels, and a third kneels nearby holding a small object. The scene is set against a subdued, shadowy backdrop that hints at a distant landscape.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts the traditional Christian motif of the Virgin Mary with the infant Jesus, accompanied by celestial beings. The inclusion of winged children underscores the heavenly endorsement of the holy pair, while the kneeling figure—perhaps a saint or attendant—adds a devotional element, inviting contemplation of the divine bond between mother and child.

Technique & Style

Executed as an etching, Denon employed fine, incised lines to render the delicate folds of the Virgin’s garments and the intricate textures of hair and drapery. The tonal contrast between the darkened background and the illuminated figures creates depth, while the laid paper’s subtle ribbing contributes a tactile quality to the overall image.

History & Provenance

Created in the late eighteenth century, the print forms part of Denon’s broader output of religious subjects. It now resides within the Liechtenstein collection, mounted on a specialized mat that preserves the paper’s condition. The piece reflects the period’s continued interest in devotional imagery rendered through printmaking techniques.