Christ Blessing the Virgin
c. 1476
Medium
Engraving on paper
Dimensions
Image: 16 × 15.3 cm (6 5/16 × 6 1/16 in.); Sheet: 16.4 × 15.5 cm (6 1/2 × 6 1/8 in.)
Classification
engraving
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
3847
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
This tender interaction between Christ and his mother takes place in a heavenly arbor after the Resurrection. Mary and a trio of angels bow their heads and elegantly pray in response to Christ’s blessing gesture. Although he has assumed the crown of heaven and holds the orb of the earth, Christ’s bare feet peep out from under his robes, hinting at his continuing humility.
About the Artist
Martin Schongauer · 1435–1491
Martin Schongauer, born around 1450–1453 in Colmar, Alsace, emerged from a family of skilled artisans. The third of four or five sons of goldsmith Caspar Schongauer, who had relocated from Augsburg to Colmar around 1440, Martin was immersed in the goldsmith's trade from youth, likely receiving his initial training in his father's workshop—a common path for early engravers. He further honed his ski...