The Virgin and Child Enthroned, Adored by Saints

1790s(?)

Giuseppe Bernardino Bison

Associated Names
Giuseppe Bernardino Bison

Artist, Venetian, 1762 - 1844

This is a drawing of a religious scene with figures and cherubs. The image depicts an elevated figure seated on a large pedestal or throne, holding a small child. Below, a group of ornate figures, including one with a mitre and a staff, appears to be in adoration or prayer, directed towards the seated figure. To the right, cherubs are depicted flying amidst clouds. The use of sepia tones and fluid lines creates a timeless atmosphere. The scene is set indoors, as suggested by the decorated architectural elements such as drapery and garlands. The drawing is intricate, with a focus on the clothing and expressions of the figures, as well as the interaction between them and the celestial beings above.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and brown ink with brown wash over graphite on laid paper with separate sheet pasted down

  • Credit Line

    Purchased as the Gift of Dian Woodner

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 29.2 × 20.6 cm (11 1/2 × 8 1/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2015.56.1


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Litta collection; (sale, Christie's London, 25 March 1969, no. 191); Paul Walraf. (sale, Sotheby's London, 18 April 1996, no. 77); Private collection; (sale, Christie's New York, 29 January 2015, no. 18); (via Stephen Ongpin Fine Art, New York), purchased 2015 by NGA.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

by later hand, lower right in brown ink: Bison; by later hand, lower center verso in graphite: Bison

Wikidata ID

Q64572485

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