Madonna and Child, c. 1630
Chiaroscuro woodcut, printed from two blocksexpand_more
The Ethel Morrison Van Derlip Fundexpand_more P.68.339
Not on Viewexpand_more
The Virgin Mary was highly venerated in Counter-Reformation Italy, partly due to Protestant reformers' cries that she had become too prominent in the Church. Depictions of the Madonna were never more popular, and Ricci, in turn, promoted them in China. Guido Reni was one of the great masters of Marian imagery. His intimate portrayal of Mother and Child typifies the subject's appeal for the Chinese. It not only presented a warm, accessible vision of God, but also brought to mind the beloved Buddhist deity Kuan-yin. In fact, the Jesuits' promotion of the Madonna in China is thought to have influenced the version of Kuan-yin popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, which shows her holding an infant son.
Details
- Title
- Madonna and Child
- Artist Life
- (Bologna), 1575–1642
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- P.68.339
- Provenance
- C. Mariette, L.1796; Fredrick August II, L.971; E.M.V.D. Fund 1968; Boerner Dusseldorf, 100.
- Catalogue Raisonne
- Bartsch XII. 52.5 (p.68 illus.) ii or iii/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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