Who painted Virgin and Child with Parrot?

Virgin and Child with Parrot was painted by Sebald Beham in 1549.

Where can I see Virgin and Child with Parrot?

Virgin and Child with Parrot is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Virgin and Child with Parrot?

Virgin and Child with Parrot is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Virgin and Child with Parrot

Sebald Beham , 1549

Virgin and Child with Parrot is a print by the Renaissance artist Sebald Beham. It dates from 1549 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Virgin and Child with Parrot is a 1549 engraving by Hans Sebald Beham, a prolific German artist of the 16th century. This small, intricate work exemplifies his characteristic style, known for precision and detail.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving depicts the Virgin Mary with the Christ Child and a parrot, a symbol of her purity in Renaissance art. The composition conveys maternal protection, with Mary's forward-leaning posture contrasting her serene facial expression.

Technique & Style

Executed as a black-and-white engraving, the piece showcases Beham's mastery of the medium. Delicate lines define the subjects: Mary's flowing robe, the Christ Child reaching for the parrot, and subtle background elements like a tree branch and distant tower.

History & Provenance

Created in 1549, the work is now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection. As one of the 'Little Masters,' Beham was renowned for his numerous small, detailed prints.

Context

Emerging from the Renaissance, this piece reflects the era's artistic themes, though the parrot's inclusion adds an uncommon touch to a traditional religious scene.

Legacy

While specific impact of *Virgin and Child with Parrot* is not broadly highlighted, it contributes to Beham's overall legacy as a prolific printmaker of the 16th century, influencing the development of detailed, small-scale artworks.