La Vierge adorant l'Enfant Jesus
Original title: La Vierge adorent l'Enfant Jesus
kurzbeschreibung
Jean Morin gives this undated sheet over to the Virgin Mary adoring the Christ Child. The etching measures 45 by 33.2 cm, which puts it among the artist's larger works. Formally the subject follows the familiar type of the adoration scene; dense hatching and delicate lines carry the execution.
Description
A dark robe lies over Mary, its folds and shadows underlining her reverence. Her head is bowed, her gaze fixed on the child, who rests on a mat or straw and raises one hand. Wooden beams frame the picture space behind them. A Latin quotation runs along the lower edge of the sheet.
Context
The Frenchman Jean Morin counts among the printmakers of the seventeenth century and became known above all for his reproductive engravings. His work belongs to the Catholic devotional image tradition of the Counter-Reformation. Exactly when this sheet was made is not recorded.
Impact
Dark tonality and a delicate line lend the print an intimate, prayerful presence. From Mary's lowered posture and her look toward the child grows a quiet, contemplative mood.
Technique
The sheet is executed as an etching. Fine lines and hatching take over the modelling of the figures. Light and shadow can be rendered precisely with this process, which heightens the drama of the scene.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)