Artwork
Maria mit Kind
Maria mit Kind is an unspecified painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Peter Paul Rubens. It dates from 1608 and is held in the collection of the Alte Pinakothek.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1608 by the Flemish painter and diplomat Peter Paul Rubens, *Maria mit Kind* is an oil painting that belongs to the Baroque period. The work is part of the collection of the Alte Pinakothek in Munich and presents a tender encounter between the Virgin Mary and the infant Jesus, rendered in Rubens’s characteristic vigor.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on a mother cradling her child, a traditional Christian motif that underscores the humanity and divinity of Christ. Mary’s gentle gaze toward the infant and the intimate pose convey devotion and maternal affection, reflecting the Counter‑Reformation’s aim to inspire personal piety through relatable religious imagery.
Technique & Style
Rubens employs a pronounced chiaroscuro, using deep shadows to model the figures and a subtle luminous edge that separates them from the dark backdrop. The flesh tones appear soft and voluminous, while the drapery’s dark outer dress and lighter under‑shift create a sense of depth and movement typical of his dynamic Baroque approach.
History & Provenance
After its completion, the painting entered the collections of various European patrons before being acquired by the Bavarian State in the 19th century. It has remained in the Alte Pinakothek since that acquisition, where it is displayed among other works that illustrate Rubens’s contribution to religious art during the early Baroque era.
Artist & collection
Artist
Sir Peter Paul Rubens ( ROO-bənz; Dutch: ; 28 June 1577 – 30 May 1640) was a Flemish artist and diplomat.
