The Virgin with the Sleeping Christ Child

Orazio Gentileschi

Created:
Movement:
unknown
Baroque
key Notes:
Tender maternalism, chiaroscuro illumination.
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Dimensions:
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

"The Virgin with the Sleeping Christ Child," painted by Orazio Gentileschi around 1610, exemplifies the artist's mastery of chiaroscuro and intimate maternal themes, reflecting the influence of Caravaggio's naturalism. This work, notable for its tender portrayal of the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child, underscores Gentileschi's role in the Baroque movement and his contributions to the depiction of religious subjects in 17th-century art.

Description of the work:

"The Virgin with the Sleeping Christ Child," painted by Orazio Gentileschi in the early 17th century, depicts the Virgin Mary cradling the infant Christ, who is rendered in a state of serene slumber. The composition is characterized by a soft, naturalistic use of light and shadow, highlighting the tender expressions and delicate features of both figures, while the rich color palette enhances the emotional depth of the scene.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Harvard Art Museum

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The Virgin with the Sleeping Christ Child