The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne

Georges de La Tour, 1600

MEDIUMEtching
LOCATIONThe Metropolitan Museum of Art
COLLECTIONDrawings and Prints
CREDIT LINEHarris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1925

This etching offers a rare glimpse into a softer side of Georges de La Tour, showcasing a tender, intimate family scene rendered with delicate lines rather than his signature dramatic light.

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ABOUT THIS WORK

In this etching, we see the Virgin Mary and her mother, Saint Anne, with the Christ Child. The scene is rendered with a delicate touch, characteristic of the early 17th century. While the artist, Georges de La Tour, is renowned for his dramatic use of chiaroscuro in paintings, this print offers a different, more subtle approach. The figures are arranged in a tender, intimate grouping, emphasizing the familial bond. Saint Anne, often depicted teaching Mary to read, here appears to be guiding the young Virgin, who in turn cradles the infant Jesus. The etching captures a moment of quiet devotion and familial instruction, inviting viewers into a private, sacred space.

LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

1

The delicate lines and shading that define the figures.

2

The expressions of gentle affection between the Virgin and Child.

3

Saint Anne's guiding gesture towards her daughter.

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Audio Deep Dive

This etching offers a rare glimpse into a softer side of Georges de La Tour, showcasing a tender, intimate family scene rendered with delicate lines rather tha…

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THE ARTIST
Georges de La Tour 1593–1652 · Duchy of Lorraine

Georges de La Tour, a master of candlelight, illuminated religious scenes with a quiet, dramatic chiaroscuro that captivated 17th-century Lorraine.

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