Virgin and Child with a Parrot, 1549

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The Nuremberg brothers Barthel and Sebald Beham were among the elite Little Masters, the artistic heirs of Albrecht Dürer, known for their small, jewel-like prints. These diminutive works enchanted collectors, who appreciated their technical virtuosity and atypical themes. Barthel was especially gifted. His startling Mother and Child with Skull and Hourglass shows a mother nursing an infant whose limp pose, as well as the hourglass and skull, implies that he is most likely dead. The woman's Venetian costume and the Italianate landmark out the window show Barthel's debt to Italian art, a source of inspiration for many German artists. The charming Virgin and Child with a Parrot, inspired by Italian models, is notable as the first print ever purchased by Herschel V. Jones.

Details
Title
Virgin and Child with a Parrot
Artist Life
1500–1550
Role
Artist
Accession Number
P.13,782
Provenance
Scholtz (no mark here- see L. 2241); Keppel (Scholtz sale in Stuttgart, 1911)
Catalogue Raisonne
Pauli, Hollstein 21 i/ii; Bartsch 19; P.21 i/iii
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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