Study of the Christ Child and the Hand of the Madonna. Verso; Profile of a Man
Original title: Study of the Christ Child and the Hand of the Madonna. Verso; Profile of a Man
kurzbeschreibung
On this sheet by Anthony van Dyck, the recto holds a study of the Christ Child and the hand of the Madonna, while the verso shows a man's profile. The drawing is executed in pen and brown ink on paper and dates from around 1618–1620.
Description
The Christ Child lies on a cushion, and the Madonna's hand supports him. The lines flow smoothly and precisely, with fine hatching suggesting the modeling of the body. On the reverse appears the profile of a bearded man with curly hair, in a similarly sketchy manner.
Context
Van Dyck made this study around 1618–1620 in Peter Paul Rubens's Antwerp workshop. Such sheets served as preparatory studies for larger paintings, especially for depictions of the Madonna and Child. That the verso carries a male profile attests to the repeated use of the paper, as was common workshop practice.
Impact
Lively and confident in their line, the figures emerge with a sculptural presence despite the sketchy character. The restriction to essentials gives the study an immediate, almost intimate radiance.
Technique
Pen and brown ink on paper – a common technique for preparatory studies. Fine hatching and varying stroke width demonstrate van Dyck's virtuoso handling of the material.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)