Artwork
The Virgin and Child and Saints
The Virgin and Child and Saints is a print by Peltro William Tomkins. It is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
The Virgin and Child and Saints is a 19th-century print on paper, created by Peltro William Tomkins in 1850, based on a composition by Andrea del Sarto. The work depicts a serene indoor scene with four figures.
Subject & Meaning
The print portrays the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, accompanied by a young saint (possibly John the Baptist as a child) clinging to her side, and two standing saints behind, identified as possibly Saint Elizabeth and Saint Joseph, all conveying a sense of gentle devotion and familial intimacy.
Technique & Style
Tomkins' print employs soft, glowing lighting, characteristic of chiaroscuro, to evoke a peaceful atmosphere. Expressions of the figures are serene, enhancing the overall calmness of the scene, set against a subtly suggested outdoor background through a darkened interior.
History & Provenance
Originally conceived by Andrea del Sarto, the composition was later reproduced as a print by Peltro William Tomkins in 1850, indicating the enduring appeal of del Sarto's work across mediums and time.
Context
This print reflects the 19th-century interest in reviving and disseminating Renaissance art through printmaking, making revered compositions accessible to a broader audience.
Legacy
As a reproduction of a Renaissance masterpiece, the print contributes to the legacy of Andrea del Sarto's oeuvre, while Tomkins' execution demonstrates the technical and artistic values of 19th-century printmaking.
Artist & collection
