Virgin and Child with Saint Jerome at left

Art Historical Context

This enchanting engraving, titled *Virgin and Child with Saint at Left*, reproduces a composition by the Italian High Renaissance master Correggio (Antonio Alleg da Correggio, c. 1489–1534). Created in 1822 by engravers Henri-Charles Müller Francesco Bartolozzi, captures Correggio's grace and tenderness in depicting the Madonna cradling the Christ Child, with Saint Jerome—patron of scholars and translator of the Bible—positioned thoughtfully at left. Such devotional scenes were central to Renaissance religious art, blending humanism with spirituality in Correggio's soft, luminous style that foreshadowed Baroque drama. As an engraving, this work exemplifies 19th-century printmaking techniques, where intricate lines etched into a metal plate allowed for rich tonal contrasts and precise details, faithfully replicating the original painting's delicate modeling and ethereal light. Prints like this democratized access to revered masterpieces, enabling collectors and scholars across Europe to study and admire Correggio's innovations long after his lifetime. Measuring about 14½ by 10 inches, its scale suits intimate contemplation. Acquired through the Harris Brisbane Dick Fund in 1933, this piece resides in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department, highlighting the enduring legacy of reproductive prints in preserving artistic heritage for modern audiences.