Accession Number2007/2.141
TitleBust of the Virgin
Artist(s)Bartolomeo CoriolanoArtist NationalityItalian (culture or style)Object Creation Date17th centuryMedium & Supportchiaroscuro woodcut on laid paperDimensions 6 1/4 in. x 5 in. ( 15.8 cm x 12.7 cm )
Credit LineGift of J. Frederick HoffmanSubject matterThis intimate portrait of the Virgin Mary notably omits the infant Christ and instead focuses upon her alone. The close looking demanded by the small scale of the print augments this emphasis, as does the series of concentric circular shapes created by the frame and halos that direct attention toward her face. Many a devout Christian in the period prayed to the Virgin as a protectress who would intercede on their behalf with Christ and God and appeal for mercy. As a reproducible and relatively inexpensive image, this small and skillfully-wrought print was thus designed to fulfill widespread devotional needs.
Physical DescriptionThis small print depicts a bust-length portrait of a woman within an oval frame. She turns slightly to her left and gazes downward. A bright halo encircles her head.
Primary Object Classification Print Primary Object Typechiaroscuro woodcutCollection AreaWesternRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.
Keywords
chiaroscuro woodcuts
halos (glories)
portraits