Madonna met kind tussen engelen op de wolken 1610 - 1680

Jerónimo Jacinto Espinosa created this drawing of the Madonna and Child with Angels on Clouds with pen in brown, brush in brown, and grey wash. Notice how the composition is organised within an oval format where the figures are situated on layered clouds, framed by a multitude of cherubic faces. Espinosa skillfully employs wash to create tonal gradations, giving the clouds and figures depth. The line work, though delicate, defines the contours of the Madonna and Child and brings a sense of dynamism to the surrounding angels. The drawing invites us to consider the baroque period's preoccupation with evoking spiritual ecstasy through visual means. The soft tonality and indistinct forms suggest a realm beyond earthly comprehension, challenging the viewer to consider the limits of human perception. The structure offers not just a religious scene, but also an exploration of the sublime, where the boundaries between the physical and metaphysical blur.