The Virgin holding the sleeping infant Christ on her lap, after Reni 1741 - 1784

This is an anonymous engraving at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, after Guido Reni’s depiction of the Virgin Mary holding the sleeping Christ child. Notice first the oval composition, creating a contained, intimate space. The Virgin’s figure dominates, her draped form and veiled head creating a series of soft, flowing lines that direct our gaze downward. The delicate hatching technique adds tonal variation and imbues the scene with a gentle, ethereal quality. The artist uses the formal elements to explore the theme of maternal love. The Virgin’s inclined head and tender gaze suggest a protective, nurturing presence. The sleeping child, nestled securely in her arms, embodies innocence and vulnerability. This work may be seen as an exploration of the relationship between divine and human love, rendered through the engraver's skilled manipulation of line and form. The engraving's serene, contemplative mood invites viewers to reflect on the emotional and spiritual dimensions of the subject.