Throughout history, the Madonna and Child has been a recurring if not favourite image for artists to portray.  In my small collection I have several images of the ‘Madonna and Child’.  From the unknown artist to the world renowned, many have portrayed the image of mother and child in embrace.

The Holy Family with the Adoration of a Shepherd
etched by Joseph Rolls
@ 1835

Engraved by #JosephRolls in 1835 after a painting by Titian. We see Mary cradling the infant Jesus with Joseph attending while a shepherd pays homage. The original painting by Titian hangs in the National Gallery. Exquisitely etched by Joseph Rolls, the variations in tone and colouring all done by the addition or subtraction of lines of varying depth on a copper plate.  Why only one shepherd – we don’t know but if you look closely above the shepherd boys’ right shoulder you will see the annunciation to the shepherds.

From an etching after a classic by Titian to another artist’s rendering of the Madonna and Child.

Madonna and Child
etching by Gerik Schjelderup

An etching which I recently added to my collection.  It is after a fresco by Correggio (the ‘Madonna della Scala’). It is etched by Norwegian artist #GerikSchjelderup (1899 – 1985).  I know little about the artist but talent he does have. A confidence of line and a slight over inking adds extra depth to the image.  The over inking also extends a softness and possibly even tenderness to the pairing of mother and child – a bonding beyond description – a hope – a trust – a faith in a future yet to unfold.

And finally a ceramic sculpture by Polish studio artist #JanuszLewald-Jezierski.  Another artist I know little of but a man who has gifted hands and eyes to create  beautiful things from clay and ceramic.

Madonna and Child
by Janusz Lewald-Jezierski

Madonna and Child
by Janusz Lewald-Jezierski

Not sure how old this Madonna and Child is – possibly from the 60’s or 70’s. Highlighted in tones of glossy blue – against a flat black image.  I cannot make up my mind if this is a ‘Black Madonna and Child’ or not.  No matter.  It is well crafted and artistically founded.