Madonna and Child with Saint John the Evangelist 1471 - 1535

Andrea da Murano made this drawing titled, Madonna and Child with Saint John the Evangelist, using pen and brown ink on paper. Observe the figures which are structured through line and form. The lines articulate the heavy drapes and solidity of the figures, while the figures themselves convey a sense of weight. The artist has skillfully used hatching to show the play of light and shadow, creating a three-dimensional effect that grounds the figures in their space. This drawing invites us to reflect on the methods and materials that artists have employed to render religious themes across history. Note how each mark contributes to the overall structure and meaning of the composition. In what ways does the formal arrangement of the figures affect your understanding of the sacred narrative being depicted? This is an active site for interpretation.