Who painted Bust of the Virgin?

Bust of the Virgin was painted by Raffaello Schiaminossi in 1606.

Where can I see Bust of the Virgin?

Bust of the Virgin is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Bust of the Virgin?

Bust of the Virgin is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Bust of the Virgin

Raffaello Schiaminossi , 1606

Bust of the Virgin is an ink print by the Baroque artist Raffaello Schiaminossi. It dates from 1606 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Raffaello Schiaminossi’s 1606 print, titled Bust of the Virgin, presents a half‑length portrait of the Virgin Mary rendered in black and white on laid paper. The composition isolates the figure against a neutral gray ground, emphasizing her serene expression and modest posture. The work exemplifies early‑17th‑century devotional imagery intended for private contemplation.

Subject & Meaning

The image depicts Mary from the shoulders upward, her head inclined slightly to the right and eyes lowered in a gesture of humility. She wears a simple headscarf over long hair and a loose robe, while her hands are joined before her chest, suggesting prayerful devotion. The subdued pose conveys quiet reverence rather than dramatic narrative.

Technique & Style

Executed through a combination of etching and engraving, the print relies on fine lines and delicate cross‑hatching to model the Virgin’s features and the folds of her garment. The laid paper’s textured surface enhances tonal variation, while the restrained shading creates a sense of depth without resorting to the exuberant chiaroscuro typical of later Baroque prints.

History & Provenance

Created in 1606, the bust belongs to Schiaminossi’s early output as a printmaker active in Tuscany. Though specific ownership records are scarce, the work circulated among devotional collectors of the period, reflecting the broader demand for portable religious images in post‑Council of Trent Italy.