Artwork
Virgin and Child with Angels
Virgin and Child with Angels is an oil painting by the Baroque artist Giulio Cesare Procaccini. It dates from 1610 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.
About this work
Procaccini painted this around 1610, when artists in Italy were shifting from stiff religious scenes to softer, warmer styles.
This painting shows the Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus with two angels peeking over her shoulder. Soft light falls on their faces, making them glow against the dark background. Mary’s blue robe stands out against the deep colors.
Procaccini painted this around 1610, when artists in Italy were shifting from stiff religious scenes to softer, warmer styles. The angels look almost playful, adding a quiet human touch to the holy scene.
Check out more by Procaccini at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Overview
Virgin and Child with Angels is a painting by Giulio Cesare Procaccini, created around 1610 in oil on panel, currently housed at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Subject & Meaning
The work depicts a serene religious scene of the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, flanked by two angels peeking over her shoulder, conveying a sense of gentle reverence.
Technique & Style
Soft, glowing light on the subjects' faces contrasts with a dark background, while Mary's blue robe provides a vibrant focal point. The piece reflects the early Baroque shift towards warmer, more expressive religious art.
History & Provenance
Painted during Procaccini's activity in Milan, influenced by Cardinal Federico Borromeo, and created in collaboration with contemporaries like Giovanni Battista Crespi and Pier Francesco Mazzucchelli.
Context
Produced during a transitional period in Italian art (c. 1610), the painting embodies the move from rigid to softer, more humanized religious depictions, as seen in the near-playful demeanor of the angels.
Legacy
As part of the Art Institute of Chicago's collection, the work remains accessible, showcasing Procaccini's contribution to the early Baroque style in Milan.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Giulio Cesare Procaccini (30 May 1574 – 14 November 1625) was an Italian painter and sculptor of the early Baroque era in Milan.
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