Madonna and Child and Little Saint John

Robert Loftin Newman

Created:
Movement:
1894
Tonalism
key Notes:
Symbolic intimacy, Spiritual innocence
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Dimensions:
10 1/8 x 12 1/8 in. (25.7 x 30.8 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Expert
New game
story of the work:

"Madonna and Child and Little Saint John" is a painting by American artist Robert Loftin Newman, created in 1894. Newman was known for his religious and historical subjects, often reflecting the influence of the Pre-Raphaelite movement. The painting depicts the Virgin Mary with the Christ Child and Saint John the Baptist as a child, emphasizing tenderness and innocence. The composition is characterized by its detailed rendering and rich color palette, typical of Newman's style. The work is part of a broader tradition of Madonna and Child representations in Western art. Specific details regarding the painting's exhibition history or provenance are not widely documented. Newman's contributions to American art include his role in the development of religious imagery during the late 19th century.

Description of the work:

"Madonna and Child and Little Saint John" by Robert Loftin Newman, created in 1894, is an oil on canvas painting that depicts the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus, accompanied by the young Saint John the Baptist. The composition is characterized by a serene and intimate portrayal of the figures, with Mary positioned centrally, exuding a sense of maternal tenderness. The figures are rendered with soft, naturalistic features and delicate expressions, emphasizing their emotional connection. The use of light and shadow creates a gentle luminosity, enhancing the three-dimensionality of the forms. The background is composed of muted tones, allowing the figures to stand out prominently. The color palette is warm, with rich earth tones and subtle highlights that contribute to the overall harmony of the scene. The drapery of Mary's garments is depicted with careful attention to texture and movement, adding to the painting's sense of grace. The work reflects the influence of the late 19th-century American art movement, focusing on religious themes and the humanization of sacred subjects.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Madonna and Child and Little Saint John