The Virgin and Child with Saint John the Baptist

Art Historical Context

Behold *The Virgin and Child with John the Baptist*, a chiaroscuro woodcut in 1722 by Venetian engraver Anton Maria Zan the Elder after a design by the Renaissance Mannerist master Parmigianino (Girol Francesco Maria Mazzola). just 9 13/16 x 5 9/16 inches, this intimate print depicts the tender Madonna cradling the Christ Child, who reaches playfully toward the young Saint John the Baptist—a classic devotional motif evoking maternal love and divine promise, rooted in Renaissance iconography. Zanetti's mastery shines in the chiaroscuro technique, employing a dark brown line block alongside medium brown and mustard yellow tone blocks to mimic the dramatic light and shadow of oil paintings. Popularized in the 16th century by artists like Ugo da Carpi, this woodcut method brought sculptural depth and painterly richness to prints, making fine art accessible beyond paintings. By channeling Parmigianino's elegant, elongated figures and graceful poses, Zanetti bridged Mannerist refinement with 18th-century reproductive printmaking. Acquired through the Harris Brisbane Dick Fund in 1932, this work from the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints collection highlights the evolution of print techniques and the enduring appeal of sacred themes, inviting visitors to appreciate how light dances across the holy trio in subtle, glowing hues.