Madonna and Child

The drawing, Madonna and Child, is attributed to the Style of Raffaello Sanzio, called Raphael Italian, 1483-1520, though it was executed much later, in 1842. This work is a detailed study rendered in pen and brown ink, skillfully applied over traces of preliminary graphite sketching. The medium is supported by cream wove paper, which has been historically laid down on ivory board for preservation. This method of creation indicates a strong interest in reviving or studying the techniques and idealized compositional models of the High Renaissance master, Raphael.

Although created in the nineteenth century, the subject matter and refined style firmly place this drawing within the ongoing tradition of depicting the iconic Mother and Child motif central to Italian religious art. Drawings classified as this type were often used by later artists or schools to copy, study, and disseminate the forms championed by Raphael during the sixteenth century. The meticulous ink lines highlight the structural complexity and delicate rendering typical of detailed preparatory studies of the period.

This devotional drawing provides insight into the enduring influence of the Renaissance master on subsequent artistic periods in Italy. As an important piece within the Art Institute of Chicago’s collection, the work helps illuminate the technical and compositional legacy of Raphael’s oeuvre. Because the subject remains widely studied, high-quality images and prints of similar historical drawings are frequently made available to the public domain for research and appreciation, ensuring the continued study of these revered compositional methods.