Madonna and Child (recto); Madonna and Child (verso) by Anonymous

Madonna and Child (recto); Madonna and Child (verso) 1500 - 1600

drawing, print

drawing

natural stone pattern

rippled sketch texture

natural shape and form

toned paper

print

possibly oil pastel

madonna

child

organic pattern

underpainting

natural texture

organic texture

watercolor

This small drawing, likely created between 1500 and 1600, depicts the Madonna and Child. The faded ink outlines of the figures are barely visible, making the work an example of a "pentimento," an artist's visible change of mind during the creative process. The drawing’s faintness creates an intriguing element of mystery, encouraging viewers to engage in a closer examination and imagine the original form of the artwork. The drawing is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.