The Birth of the Virgin

Italienische Grafik 1579–1623, 1605/1610

This image shows multiple figures, both humans and cherubic beings, in a detailed and dynamic scene. The composition is vertically oriented with various individuals positioned throughout the scene. Many figures are shown in different poses, with some individuals standing or sitting. A woman holding a baby is seated in the central lower portion, surrounded by other kneeling and sitting figures. The clothing worn by the figures suggests a historical or biblical setting. Above, several cherubs or angels are depicted in mid-flight with joyful expressions. They appear smaller and nude, floating among clouds. The background features architectural and organic elements, with additional people in side profiles and faint structural lines for depth. The color palette is warm and earthy, with a sepia-like finish giving the scene an aged and grand appearance.
Artist
Italienische Grafik 1579–1623
Date
1605/1610
Type
Drawing
Medium
pen and brown and red ink with brown and sanguine wash over red chalk, heightened with white gouache and squared in red chalk on laid paper washed ochre
Dimensions
33.7 × 23.1 cm
Collection
National Gallery of Art, Washington
Licence
Public domain, CC0

Image description

This image shows multiple figures, both humans and cherubic beings, in a detailed and dynamic scene. The composition is vertically oriented with various individuals positioned throughout the scene. Many figures are shown in different poses, with some individuals standing or sitting. A woman holding a baby is seated in the central lower portion, surrounded by other kneeling and sitting figures. The clothing worn by the figures suggests a historical or biblical setting. Above, several cherubs or angels are depicted in mid-flight with joyful expressions. They appear smaller and nude, floating among clouds. The background features architectural and organic elements, with additional people in side profiles and faint structural lines for depth. The color palette is warm and earthy, with a sepia-like finish giving the scene an aged and grand appearance.

Italienische Grafik 1579–1623