Who painted Madonna and Child?

Madonna and Child was painted by Jacobus Buys in 1769.

Where can I see Madonna and Child?

Madonna and Child is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Madonna and Child?

Madonna and Child is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Madonna and Child

Jacobus Buys , 1769

Madonna and Child is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Jacobus Buys. It dates from 1769 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Cornelis Ploos van Amstel’s 1769 print, titled *Madonna and Child*, presents a serene mother cradling her infant. Executed through a combination of etching, mezzotint, and roulette techniques on two plates, the image is rendered entirely in tonal shades of brown, creating a warm, unified visual field.

Subject & Meaning

The composition depicts the Virgin Mary holding a sleeping infant, a traditional Christian motif symbolizing maternal devotion and divine innocence. A delicate wreath of flowers and leaves frames the pair, reinforcing themes of purity and the natural world’s harmony with the sacred.

Technique & Style

Ploos van Amstel employed a hybrid printmaking process: the fine lines of etching define the figures, while mezzotint provides rich, velvety shadows, and roulette adds subtle texture. The exclusive brown palette unifies the tonal range, emphasizing form and atmosphere over color.

History & Provenance

Created in the late eighteenth century, the work reflects the artist’s interest in religious subjects and print innovation. It remains catalogued as a notable example of Dutch printmaking from the period, though specific ownership records prior to museum acquisition are not documented.