Virgin and Child with St. John

1500s
(Italian, c. 1508–c. 1550)
(Italian, 1503–1540)
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location: not on view

Download, Print and Share

Did You Know?

This chiaroscuro woodcut is designed after a preliminary drawing by Parmigianino, only differing in the addition of a detailed background of lush foliage.

Description

Enclosed in an oval and intimate space, the Virgin Mary holds Christ the Child on her lap, with the young Saint John the Baptist arranged to one side. Jesus's right sole is placed on the frame, creating the illusion his foot is resting on it. In his chiaroscuro woodcuts, Antonio da Trento usually favored gray ink rather than black for the line block, aiming for a pale effect and tonal unity. Furthermore, he exploited fine webs of hatching and cross-hatching to create contrasts between vigorous highlights and deep dark shadows. In all of these printing refinements, Antonio's technique was similar to Ugo da Carpi's chiaroscuro method, suggesting a close working relationship between these two printmakers.
Virgin and Child with St. John

Virgin and Child with St. John

1500s

Antonio da Trento, Parmigianino

(Italian, c. 1508–c. 1550), (Italian, 1503–1540)
Italy, 16th century

Visually Similar Artworks

Contact us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@clevelandart.org.

To request more information about this object, study images, or bibliography, contact the Ingalls Library Reference Desk.

All images and data available through Open Access can be downloaded for free. For images not available through Open Access, a detail image, or any image with a color bar, request a digital file from Image Services.