Study of a Madonna looking upward

  • Painting mediumAcrylic On Canvas
  • Medium typeWallArt
  • Art movementBaroque
  • Dimensions31.0 x 44.0 cm
  • MuseumKupferstichkabinett

Sir Anthony van Dyck (1599 – 1641)

Sir Anthony van Dyck (1599-1641): Master Flemish Baroque painter renowned for elegant portraits of European aristocracy & Charles I's court. Influential in English art, known for religious scenes & innovative style.

Kupferstichkabinett (Berlin, Germany)

Explore the Kupferstichkabinett's stunning collection of prints & drawings spanning centuries! Discover masterpieces by Dürer, Rembrandt & more in Berlin’s vibrant art museum.

This study of a woman gazing upward, executed on blue paper, was created at the end of the artist’s stay in Antwerp and Brussels in the years 1634-35, prior to his return to England. The head and draped upper body are recorded with concise and organic chalk lines; the white highlights indicate more brightly lit passages. The figure served as a study for the mourning Mary, Mother of God, in a Lamentation of Christ that has been preserved in several versions. However, in the paintings, the position of the head and the passage including the shoulders differ somewhat from their form in the drawing. The economy of Anton van Dyck’s manner of working is revealed by the fact that he did not elaborate those parts of the figure that were subsequently to be concealed behind the body of Christ.

About this artwork

  • Title: Study of a Madonna looking upward
  • Artist: Sir Anthony van Dyck
  • Original dimensions: 31.0 x 44.0 cm
  • Format: Portrait
  • Copyright status: Public domain
  • Where to see it: Kupferstichkabinett
  • Medium type: WallArt
  • Color palette: Monochrome
  • Main color: Rosy Brown
  • Purpose: Accent

Quick Facts

  • Location: Private Collection
  • Dimensions: 31 x 44 cm
  • Artistic style: Realistic with expressive gesture
  • Influences: Rubens
  • Subject or theme: Religious contemplation
  • Title: Study of a Madonna looking upward
  • Notable elements or techniques: Loose lines; organic chalk

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