The artwork titled “Virgin and Child with St. John the Baptist, St. Zachary and St. Elizabeth” is a religious painting created by Andrea Mantegna in 1490. Executed in oil, this piece belongs to the Early Renaissance art movement and measures 75 x 61.5 cm.
In the artwork, the Virgin Mary is depicted holding the Christ Child, who is centrally positioned and gazing outwards. The Virgin’s serene and contemplative expression directs focus toward the child. St. John the Baptist is portrayed as a young child sitting on the lower right side, holding a cross and gesturing towards the Christ Child, symbolizing his role as forerunner. St. Zachary, standing on the far left, and St. Elizabeth, on the far right, flank the Virgin and Child, each with solemn expressions. The composition is intimate and closely cropped, emphasizing the familial connection and spiritual significance. The use of light, shadow, and detailed textures reflects Mantegna’s mastery and contributes to the depth and realism characteristic of the Early Renaissance period.
