Madonna and Child in Glory 17th century

This is an engraving, showing the Madonna and Child in Glory, created by an anonymous artist. The composition is dominated by the figures of Mary and the infant Jesus, surrounded by angels and set against a backdrop of swirling clouds, all rendered with intricate line work. The texture is smooth, achieved through delicate cross-hatching. The artist uses the formal structure to reinforce religious meaning. The radiating lines behind Mary suggest divine light, emphasizing her sacred status. The clouds do not simply depict a celestial scene but also function as a structural framework, guiding the viewer’s eye. The semiotic system here is rooted in Christian iconography, where light signifies divine presence and clouds symbolize transcendence. This piece invites us to consider how visual form and religious content intersect to create a powerful expression of faith. We are left to reflect on how the interplay of line, light, and form shapes our interpretation and experience of the sacred.