Artwork

The Virgin and Child with Young St. John and the Sts. Dominic, Francis of Assisi, Agnes and Mary Magdalene

The Virgin and Child with Young St. John and the Sts. Dominic, Francis of Assisi, Agnes and Mary Magdalene, by Giacomo Raibolini, paint, 1528
The Virgin and Child with Young St. John and the Sts. Dominic, Francis of Assisi, Agnes and Mary Magdalene, by Giacomo Raibolini, paint, 1528

The Virgin and Child with Young St. John and the Sts. Dominic, Francis of Assisi, Agnes and Mary Magdalene is a paint painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Giacomo Raibolini. It dates from 1528 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin. Painted in 1528, *The Virgin and Child with Young St.

About this work

Overview

Painted in 1528, *The Virgin and Child with Young St. John and the Sts. Dominic, Francis of Assisi, Agnes and Mary Magdalene* is an early Baroque painting by Giacomo Raibolini (Giacomo Francia), a Bolognese artist known for both painting and engraving.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a closely grouped assembly of six figures: the Virgin Mary with the Christ Child, alongside Saints Dominic, Francis of Assisi, Agnes, Mary Magdalene, and Young St. John. The composition suggests an intimate introduction or gathering, with the two children reaching towards the saints.

Technique & Style

Notable for its use of chiaroscuro, the painting employs strong contrasts of light and shadow to create depth. Distinctive attire among the figures—such as the brown robe of St. Dominic, the armor of St. Agnes, and the spear she holds—adds visual emphasis and identifies the saints.

History & Provenance

Created during Giacomo Raibolini's tenure after taking over the family workshop with his brother Giulio (following training under their father, Francesco Francia), the work is now part of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin's collection.

Context

Emerging from the Bolognese school and the early Baroque period in Italy, this work reflects the artistic transitions of the time, blending traditional religious themes with emerging stylistic innovations like chiaroscuro.

Legacy

While specific influences or direct artistic lineage of *The Virgin and Child...* are not widely highlighted in broad art historical narratives, it contributes to the understanding of early Baroque developments in Italy and the Francia family's artistic contributions.

Artist & collection

Artist

Giacomo Raibolini

Giacomo Raibolini (1484 – 3 January 1557), also called Giacomo Francia or Jacopo Francia, was an Italian painter and engraver of the Renaissance period.

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