Who painted Madonna and Child?

Madonna and Child was painted by German 15th Century in 1480.

Where can I see Madonna and Child?

Madonna and Child is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Madonna and Child?

Madonna and Child is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Madonna and Child

German 15th Century , 1480

Madonna and Child is a print by the Renaissance artist German 15th Century. It dates from 1480 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The work titled “Madonna and Child” is a paste print depicting the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus. The image is set within a simple, light‑coloured border that shows signs of tearing at the top and right edges, while the central figures appear dark and faint due to age and wear.

Subject & Meaning

The composition presents the traditional Christian motif of mother and child, emphasizing the intimate bond between Mary and the Christ child. The plain surrounding frame directs focus to the devotional scene, reinforcing its role as an object of private religious contemplation.

Technique & Style

Executed as a paste print, the image was likely produced by transferring ink from a prepared matrix onto paper, a method common in early modern devotional prints. The technique yields a relatively flat surface with limited tonal variation, which contributes to the work’s muted, shadowy appearance.

History & Provenance

The piece shows considerable aging, with a frayed border and faded central image, indicating extensive handling over time. No specific collector or institutional ownership is recorded, suggesting it may have circulated among private devotional settings before entering its current collection.

Context

Depictions of the Madonna and Child were ubiquitous in Renaissance religious art, serving both liturgical and personal piety purposes. While this print lacks the elaborate detailing of panel paintings, its simplicity aligns with the broader trend of reproducing sacred imagery for wider accessibility.