Madonna and Child with angels 1822 - 1888

Antonio Dalco created this engraving "Madonna and Child with Angels" sometime in the 19th century, a period marked by significant shifts in religious and artistic expression. Dalco situates the virgin Mary and the infant Jesus, attended by angels, within a composition that reflects both traditional religious iconography and the evolving artistic sensibilities of his time. Consider the role of women in 19th-century society, often idealized as emblems of purity and motherhood. Dalco’s representation of the Madonna taps into this ideal, yet there’s also a sense of humanism in Mary’s tender gaze and gentle posture as she holds her child. How does this portrayal reinforce or challenge the conventional expectations placed upon women? Moreover, think about the cultural and historical context in which Dalco was working. The 19th century witnessed both a resurgence of religious fervor and the rise of secularism. How do you think Dalco navigates these competing forces in this image? What emotions does this piece evoke in you? Does it offer solace, inspire reverence, or perhaps prompt deeper questions about faith and identity?