Virgin and Child with the infant St John the Baptist 1550 - 1599

This anonymous drawing, likely created between 1550 and 1599, depicts the Virgin Mary seated with the Christ Child and the infant St. John the Baptist. The work, currently held at Statens Museum for Kunst, is a delicate black chalk and white chalk drawing. The composition is simple, focusing on the figures and their intimate interaction, emphasizing the religious themes of the subject. The soft, flowing lines of the Virgin Mary's drapery contrast with the more youthful forms of the two infants, creating a visual harmony. This study likely served as a preparatory sketch for a larger painting, showcasing the artist's careful attention to detail and understanding of human anatomy.