The Virgin and Child with Distaff and an Angel

c. 1611–13
(French, c.1575–1616)
Platemark: 25.1 x 18.7 cm (9 7/8 x 7 3/8 in.); Sheet: 26.1 x 19.3 cm (10 1/4 x 7 5/8 in.)
Catalogue raisonné: Walch 9
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location: not on view

Download, Print and Share

Description

Bellange produced only 48 etchings between 1611 and 1616, yet his brilliant artistic imagination and technical mastery place him among the greatest European printmakers of the 17th century. Although based on traditional Christian imagery, Bellange’s etchings are filled with an unusual psychological drama and a penetrating spirituality. Elongated, sensual figures engage in provocative scenes that might seem extreme or even bizarre but are characteristic of Mannerism, an international artistic style at the time. Here, the Virgin Mary spins thread while the Christ child sleeps. The basket of wool and the distaff holding the wool as it is spun both relate to the legend that describes the Virgin’s upbringing at the Temple of Jerusalem, where she spun wool and wove vestments for the priests.
The Virgin and Child with Distaff and an Angel

The Virgin and Child with Distaff and an Angel

c. 1611–13

Jacques Bellange

(French, c.1575–1616)
France, 17th century

Visually Similar Artworks

Contact us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@clevelandart.org.

To request more information about this object, study images, or bibliography, contact the Ingalls Library Reference Desk.

All images and data available through Open Access can be downloaded for free. For images not available through Open Access, a detail image, or any image with a color bar, request a digital file from Image Services.