Artwork

Mary with the child and Saints Sebastian, Antonius Eremita, Antonius of Padua and John the Baptist

Mary with the child and Saints Sebastian, Antonius Eremita, Antonius of Padua and John the Baptist, by Ercole Banci, paint, 1525
Mary with the child and Saints Sebastian, Antonius Eremita, Antonius of Padua and John the Baptist, by Ercole Banci, paint, 1525

Mary with the child and Saints Sebastian, Antonius Eremita, Antonius of Padua and John the Baptist is a paint painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Ercole Banci. It dates from 1525 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

About this work

Overview

This painting, created by Ercole Banci in 1525, is a devotional work featuring the Virgin Mary and Christ Child surrounded by saints. It is a representative example of early 16th-century religious art.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on Mary holding the Christ Child, flanked by four male figures: Saints Sebastian, Anthony Abbot, Anthony of Padua, and John the Baptist. The figures are arranged to convey a sense of harmony and reverence.

Technique & Style

The painting is characterized by a realistic style, with detailed renderings of the figures' clothing and facial expressions. The artist's use of chiaroscuro, a technique that utilizes strong contrasts between light and dark, contributes to the overall sense of serenity and depth.

History & Provenance

The painting is currently held at the Gemäldegalerie Berlin, indicating its significance within the collection of European art.

Artist & collection

Artist

Ercole Banci

Italian painter Ercole Banci worked in the early 1500s. His work blends religious scenes with precise detail. See his *Mary with the child and Saints Sebastian, Antonius Eremita, Antonius of Padua and John the Baptist*…

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