Artwork

The Madonna and Child (copy)

The Madonna and Child (copy), by Unknown, oil, 1645
The Madonna and Child (copy), by Unknown, oil, 1645

The Madonna and Child (copy) is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1645 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum. The work depicts a seated woman with long, light hair, cradling an infant who appears asleep.

About this work

Overview

The work depicts a seated woman with long, light hair, cradling an infant who appears asleep. She is dressed in a modest, pale garment and a modest head covering, while a single pink rose rests in her left hand. The composition is set against a deep, dark backdrop that emphasizes the figures through contrast.

Subject & Meaning

The painting presents a tender mother-and-child scene, a traditional devotional motif. The inclusion of the rose, often a symbol of love or purity, adds a subtle layer of symbolic meaning to the intimate encounter.

Technique & Style

The artist employs a pronounced contrast between illuminated forms and surrounding darkness, creating a soft modeling of the faces and hands. This chiaroscuro effect generates a warm, serene atmosphere while highlighting the textures of skin and fabric.

History & Provenance

The piece is an oil painting, identified as a copy of an earlier composition. Details of its creation date, original model, or ownership lineage are not provided in the available information.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known

Hermitage Museum

Museum

Hermitage Museum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Hermitage Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.