The artwork titled “Madonna and Child, saints and angels playing” was created by Albrecht Durer in 1522. It is part of the Northern Renaissance art movement and is categorized as a sketch and study within the “Picture of the Virgin” series. The artwork is housed in the Musee Bonnat in Bayonne, France.
The image appears to be a rough sketch showing the Madonna and Child at the center, surrounded by what may be saints and angels. The Madonna is seated, with the Child on her lap. There are figures around them, some of which seem to have halos, suggesting their saintly or angelic nature. There are also sketchy lines that may represent architectural elements, such as a canopy or arch above the Madonna. The lines are loosely drawn, and there is a sense that this is a preliminary study where the artist was capturing the basic composition and positioning of figures rather than detailed renderings. There are musical instruments shown being played by some of the figures, which may allude to celestial music or the harmony of the divine. Albrecht Durer’s monogram “AD” is visible, confirming the authorship of the work. The sketch conveys a sense of movement and informality, characteristic of a master artist’s preliminary work.
