Artwork
The Madonna and Child on the Crescent Supported by Four Angels
The Madonna and Child on the Crescent Supported by Four Angels is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Israhel van Meckenem. It dates from 1495 and is held in the collection of the Rosenwald Collection.
About this work
Overview
The Madonna and Child on the Crescent Supported by Four Angels is a late 15th-century engraving created by Israhel van Meckenem around 1495. As a prolific German printmaker and goldsmith, van Meckenem produced over 620 prints, with this work exemplifying his technical skill in the medium.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving depicts a sacred Christian scene: the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child are elevated on a crescent moon, symbolizing the Virgin's association with the celestial and divine. Four angels surround them, emphasizing reverence and protection.
Technique & Style
Executed in engraving, the piece showcases van Meckenem's attention to detail, evident in the intricate folds of the Madonna's robe, the texture of the crescent moon, and the rendered wings and faces of the angels. The dark background contrasts with the detailed foreground figures, highlighting their prominence.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1495, this engraving is characteristic of van Meckenem's practice of producing numerous prints, sometimes after designs by other artists, including Albrecht Dürer. The specific provenance of this piece is not detailed here.
Context
This work is situated within the broader context of Renaissance art, marked by a resurgence in realism and meticulous attention to detail, as seen in the engraving's intricate renderings.
Artist & collection
Artist
Israhel van Meckenem (c. 1445 – 10 November 1503), also known as Israhel van Meckenem the Younger, was a German printmaker and goldsmith, perhaps of a Dutch family origin. He was the most prolific engraver of the…
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