The artwork, titled “The Virgin and Child in half-figure in her arms, from Guercino,” is by the esteemed artist Giovanni Battista Piranesi and belongs to the Neoclassicism movement. It falls under the genre of religious painting and is a part of the “Collection of drawings engraved after Guercino” series.
The artwork portrays a serene and delicate depiction of the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child. Rendered in a refined and detailed manner characteristic of Neoclassicism, the Virgin is illustrated with a graceful demeanor and soft expressions, exuding a sense of maternal tenderness. The child, depicted with similar finesse, appears calm and secure in his mother’s protective embrace. The use of fine lines and gentle shading in the engraving highlights the intricate drapery of the Virgin’s attire and the gentle contours of both figures, demonstrating Piranesi’s skill in capturing both emotional and physical subtleties. The whole composition emanates a serene religious reverence, reflective of its historical and artistic context.
