Maria met kind en papegaai en peer

About this artwork

collector's mark: Lugt 218

Art Historical Context

### Maria met kind en papegaai en (Mary with Child, Parrot and Pear) Step into the intricate world of Hans Sebaldham, a masterful Nuremberg engraver of the Northern Renaissance (1500–1550). in 1549, this delicate engraving—measuring just 82 × 58 mm—exemplifies Beham's status as one of the " Masters," artists renowned for their virtuosic small-scale prints. Amid the religious upheavals of the Reformation, Beham's works blended Catholic iconography with Protestant-era precision, making devotional art accessible through affordable reproductions. The composition tenderly portrays the Virgin Mary cradling the Christ Child, joined by a parrot and a pear—symbols rich in meaning. The parrot, often linked to the Virgin's purity or echoing the Holy Spirit's voice, adds a lively touch, while the pear evokes themes of sweetness and divine provision. Beham's engraving technique shines here: fine, cross-hatched lines create depth, texture, and glowing highlights in such a tiny format, rivaling painting in detail. Bearing a collector's mark (Lugt 218), this piece underscores its enduring appeal to discerning collectors. It invites us to marvel at Renaissance ingenuity, where faith and artistry intertwined in miniature masterpieces. (198 words)

About the Artist

Hans Sebald Beham · 1500–1550

Sebald Beham (1500-1550), often called Hans Sebald Beham, was a German painter and printmaker born in Nuremberg. He stands as the most important figure among the Kleinmeister (Little Masters), a group of German artists who created remarkably detailed prints on a diminutive scale in the generation following Albrecht Dürer. Beham's significance lies in his technical virtuosity and unprecedented pro...