Madonna and Child 1600 - 1700

This anonymous red chalk drawing depicts the Madonna and Child in a tender embrace. The work, dating from the 17th century, is a small-scale study, measuring just 6-7/8 x 6-1/8 inches. The artist's skillful use of hatching and cross-hatching creates a sense of volume and depth, highlighting the soft curves of the Virgin Mary's face and the child's delicate form. The piece is now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, where art lovers can appreciate the intimate and devotional nature of this classic subject.