Madonna in the Clouds

Federico Barocci

Associated Names
Federico Barocci

Artist, Italian, probably 1535 - 1612

The image depicts the upper bodies of two figures, a woman and a child, positioned prominently at the center. The woman is seated, likely on a cloud, as the bottom of the frame suggests. She holds the child on her lap with both hands. Her head is slightly bowed and her eyes are softly closed. The woman has fine facial features and her hair is covered by a long veil or cloak. She wears a flowing robe that covers her from head to foot, leaving one foot partially visible. The child has curly hair and an endearing facial expression, looking away from the woman, with both arms outstretched. Surrounding them, the background consists of radiant lines suggesting divine light or holiness, and two faces of cherubs can be seen peeking from the upper corners.

Media Options

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

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching and engraving

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    sheet (trimmed to plate mark): 15.4 x 10.8 cm (6 1/16 x 4 1/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1979.46.1

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Bartsch, no. 2


Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1995

  • Imitation and Invention: Old Master Prints and Their Sources, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1995.

Bibliography

1802

  • Bartsch, Adam. Le peintre graveur. 21 vols. Vienna, 1802-1821: Adam. Le peintre graveur. 21 vols. Vienna: J.V. Degen, 1802-1821.

Wikidata ID

Q65568283

You may be interested in

Loading Results