Artwork
Madonna Di San Sisto
Madonna Di San Sisto is a print by the Romanticist artist William Holl. It dates from 1820 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
The work titled *Madonna Di San Sisto* is an early‑19th‑century print that reproduces a composition originally painted by Raphael. Executed by the English engraver William Holl II in 1820, the image appears on paper as a proof impression and bears the signatures of both the Renaissance master and the engraver.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on the Virgin Mary standing upon a cloud, cradling the infant Jesus. Flanking her are a robed male figure on the left and a similarly dressed woman on the right, while two cherubic figures occupy the lower foreground, all directing their gaze toward the child, emphasizing devotion and divine intercession.
Technique & Style
Holl employed fine line engraving to translate Raphael’s painted textures into tonal variations on paper, achieving a delicate interplay of light and shadow. The print’s clear outlines and subtle gradations reflect the Romantic era’s interest in emotional expression and the reverent treatment of sacred subjects.
History & Provenance
Created as a proof in 1820, the print was part of a broader 19th‑century market for reproductions of Renaissance masterpieces. By inscribing both Raphael’s and Holl’s names, the impression asserts its lineage and authenticity, linking the original Italian masterpiece to the English printmaking tradition.
Context
During the early 1800s, Romantic artists and engravers often revisited religious iconography, seeking to evoke spiritual sentiment through heightened drama and refined detail. Holl’s rendition aligns with this trend, offering a contemplative visual experience that bridges Renaissance composition with contemporary taste.
Artist & collection
Artist
William Holl the Elder (1771 – 1 December 1838) was a British engraver, who was believed to be of a German background, and a political radical.
