Zittende Maria met kind

The influential Italian Renaissance master Andrea Mantegna created the print Zittende Maria met kind between 1465 and 1475. Executed on paper, this work is classified simply as a print, though it exemplifies the intricate detail and classical monumentality characteristic of Mantegna’s style, cementing his reputation as a central figure in early Italian printmaking.

Mantegna’s treatment of the traditional Madonna and Child subject is marked by a sculptural quality, reminiscent of classical reliefs. The strict delineation of form and precise application of line define the composition, focusing viewers on the tender yet reserved interaction between the mother and the infant Christ. During this time, the production of prints was essential for distributing influential compositions and devotional images across Europe. Mantegna utilized the precision allowed by the medium to emphasize the anatomical rigor and complex drapery folds he mastered through the study of ancient Roman sculpture.

The dating suggests that Mantegna produced this piece while under the patronage of the Gonzaga court, an extremely productive period for his artistic output in Mantua. This period fostered his detailed classicism, often rendering figures with a stony permanence. This important example of Renaissance printmaking is preserved today in the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. Due to the age and significance of the original, high-quality prints derived from the artwork are often available for study through public domain initiatives, ensuring this Renaissance masterpiece remains accessible to researchers and enthusiasts worldwide.