Madonna and Child with Saints

Ludovico Carracci

1607 · Oil on copper · European Paintings

This oil on copper, made for Cardinal Benedetto Giustiniani, epitomizes Ludovico’s mature style: the pose of the Madonna evokes Michelangelo’s sibyls in the Sistine Chapel, while the elegant curves resonate with Parmigianino’s figures. Ludovico thus has paid homage to the great artists of the preceding century. Saint Bernard, a tireless diplomat for the twelfth-century pope Innocent II, appears in white against a chorus of fellow saints including Peter, Andrew, Paul, and Catherine of Alexandria.

Artist

Ludovico Carracci

Date

1607

Medium

Oil on copper

Department

European Paintings

Credit line

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Fisch, 2007