Caritas was painted by Unknown in 1750.

Where can I see Caritas?

Caritas is held by Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

What movement is Caritas?

Caritas is associated with Rococo painting.

Artwork

Caritas

Unknown , 1750

Caritas is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

About this work

Overview

Two additional children stand nearby, their colorful attire contrasting with the muted background of a stone wall and a green curtain.

Caritas is an oil painting that presents a tranquil domestic scene. A seated woman, dressed in a white gown with one shoulder uncovered, nurses an infant on her lap. Two additional children stand nearby, their colorful attire contrasting with the muted background of a stone wall and a green curtain. The composition conveys a quiet intimacy, highlighted by the calm expression of the mother and the attentive gaze of the youngsters.

Subject & Meaning

The work illustrates the theme of charitable love, traditionally symbolized by a mother’s care for her children. By focusing on the act of breastfeeding, the artist emphasizes nurturing and generosity. The children’s outward look suggests curiosity or contemplation beyond the immediate setting, inviting viewers to consider the broader implications of compassion extending outward from the family unit.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil, the painting employs a subtle chiaroscuro that models the figures against the stone wall, creating depth while preserving a soft, luminous quality. The limited palette—predominantly whites, earth tones, and muted greens—enhances the serene atmosphere. The brushwork is smooth, particularly in the rendering of fabric and skin, reinforcing the intimate, domestic tone of the scene.

History & Provenance

Details regarding the artist, date of execution, and ownership history of Caritas are not documented in the available sources. Consequently, the painting’s provenance remains uncertain, and its placement within a specific artistic movement or regional school cannot be definitively assigned without further research.