Who painted Madonna with the Rosary?

Madonna with the Rosary was painted by German 15th Century in 1485.

Where can I see Madonna with the Rosary?

Madonna with the Rosary is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Madonna with the Rosary?

Madonna with the Rosary is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Madonna with the Rosary

German 15th Century , 1485

Madonna with the Rosary is an ink print by the Renaissance artist German 15th Century. It dates from 1485 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Madonna with the Rosary is a hand‑colored woodcut print that presents the Virgin Mary holding the infant Christ, accompanied by a rosary. The composition is densely populated with numerous miniature scenes set within circular frames and decorative borders, all rendered in a palette of red, green, brown, yellow, tan, gray, rose and black on a tan ground.

Subject & Meaning

At the core of the image, the mother and child are depicted in red garments, emphasizing their central devotional role. The surrounding vignettes show figures engaged in prayer, reading, and other pious activities, linked together by intertwining vines and floral motifs, suggesting a contemplative network of faith.

Technique & Style

The work was created by carving the design into a wood block, a process that yields crisp, linear outlines. After printing, the image was hand‑colored with pigments, resulting in flat yet vivid areas of color that may appear slightly uneven where the artist applied the hues.

History & Provenance

The print is known as a woodcut, a medium popular for reproducing religious subjects in the early modern period. Specific details about its date of production, original publisher, or subsequent ownership are not provided in the source material.

Context

Woodcut prints such as this one were often used for devotional purposes, allowing broader distribution of religious imagery. The inclusion of a rosary and multiple prayerful figures aligns with Counter‑Reformation emphasis on personal piety and the promotion of Marian devotion.