Artwork
The Virgin and Child with the young St John the Baptist
The Virgin and Child with the young St John the Baptist is an oil painting by Leonardo da Vinci. It is held in the collection of the Ashmolean Museum. The work, executed in oil, presents a quiet grouping of the Virgin Mary, the infant Jesus, and a youthful John the Baptist.
About this work
Overview
The work, executed in oil, presents a quiet grouping of the Virgin Mary, the infant Jesus, and a youthful John the Baptist. Set against a softly rendered landscape of distant hills, trees, and water, the composition centers on the three figures, whose gentle interaction conveys a contemplative religious moment.
Subject & Meaning
Mary is shown in a dark outer robe over a lighter undergarment, while the child and the future prophet appear unclothed, emphasizing their innocence and spiritual purity. The inclusion of the young John, traditionally a forerunner of Christ, underscores themes of prophecy and the intertwined destinies of the holy figures.
Technique & Style
The painter employs oil layers to achieve subtle gradations of tone, creating depth and a tactile surface. Masterful chiaroscuro models the bodies, giving them a three‑dimensional presence against the atmospheric background. The handling of light and shadow reflects a careful observation of natural forms characteristic of the artist’s approach.
History & Provenance
Now part of the Ashmolean Museum’s collection, the painting illustrates the creator’s engagement with devotional subjects during the High Renaissance. Its presence in the museum links the work to a broader corpus of religious imagery produced by the artist, offering insight into his practice beyond his more widely known projects.
Artist & collection
Artist
Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci (15 April 1452 – 2 May 1519) was an Italian polymath of the High Renaissance who was active as a painter, draughtsman, engineer, scientist, theorist, sculptor, and architect.
The Virgin and Child with Saint John the Baptist
The Virgin and Child with Saint John the Baptist
The Virgin and Child with Saint John the Baptist and Angels
The Virgin and Child with Saint John the Baptist
Virgin and Child with the Young Saint John the Baptist
The Virgin and Child with Saint John the Baptist and an Angel
