Artwork
Maria mit dem Kind und Engeln
Maria mit dem Kind und Engeln is an unspecified painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Unknown. It dates from 1527 and is held in the collection of the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden. The work depicts a central female figure, haloed and dressed in a red gown beneath a green mantle, cradling an infant.
About this work
Overview
The work depicts a central female figure, haloed and dressed in a red gown beneath a green mantle, cradling an infant. She is encircled by seven youthful attendants, each rendered in distinct hues, who direct their gazes toward her or the child. The composition rests against a pale blue‑green backdrop, conveying a tranquil and contemplative atmosphere.
Subject & Meaning
The central woman is identified as a holy mother, suggested by the halo and the act of holding a baby, while the surrounding youths function as angels or attendants, reinforcing a devotional theme. The serene interaction among the figures emphasizes reverence and protection, typical of religious iconography that celebrates maternal devotion and celestial guardianship.
Technique & Style
Executed in a realistic manner, the painting emphasizes fine detail and texture, from the folds of the garments to the delicate rendering of the infant’s skin. The palette combines saturated reds and greens with softer pastel tones for the background, creating depth while maintaining a harmonious visual balance. The precise modeling of light and shadow contributes to the work’s lifelike presence.
Context
The composition aligns with a tradition of Marian imagery prevalent in European art, where the Virgin is often shown with a halo and surrounded by angels. The inclusion of seven attendants may reference symbolic numerology associated with divine perfection. The serene setting and calm color scheme reflect the devotional purpose of such works, intended for contemplation within a sacred space.
Artist & collection
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Virgin and Child with Angels