Artwork
The Virgin and Child and St. John
The Virgin and Child and St. John is a print by Jean Tournier. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The Virgin and Child and St.
About this work
Overview
The Virgin and Child and St. John is a 17th-century print, attributed to Jean Tournier circa 1650, based on a composition by Guido Reni. It depicts a serene scene of the Virgin Mary with the Infant Jesus and a young St. John the Baptist.
Subject & Meaning
The print portrays an intimate moment between the Virgin, the Christ child, and St. John as a youth. The Virgin holds the baby Jesus, who gazes at St. John, kneeling in devotion. A subtle background element, a landscape with figures by a river, adds depth to the scene.
Technique & Style
The artist employed chiaroscuro, a strong contrast between light and dark, to achieve three-dimensional form in the figures. Soft drapery and the expressive, curly-haired figure of St. John contribute to the print's visual appeal.
History & Provenance
Attributed to Jean Tournier, the print is based on a design by the prominent Bolognese painter Guido Reni, dating it to around 1650. Specific provenance details are not provided.
Context
Created in the mid-17th century, this work reflects the Baroque period's emphasis on emotional intensity and dramatic lighting, as seen in the use of chiaroscuro. The subject matter aligns with the Catholic Church's influence on art during this time.
Legacy
As a print based on a Guido Reni composition, it contributes to the dissemination of his designs during the Baroque period. Its impact on later artists or its reception history is not specified in available information.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jean Tournier made religious prints in the mid-17th-century French tradition. One of them is *The Virgin and Child and St. John*, a small engraving that mixes tender figures with detailed textures. The image sits in the…
