Maria met Christuskind en cherubijnen 1736 - 1769

This print of Maria with Christ Child and Cherubs was made by Claude Donat Jardinier in the eighteenth century. This print is a reproduction after Carlo Maratti. Maratti was the leading painter in Rome in the second half of the 17th century. Prints like this one circulated widely in Europe, helping to spread Maratti's classicizing Baroque style. The original painting would have likely been commissioned by a wealthy patron or religious institution, reflecting the social structures of its time. Prints like this one allowed the image to be disseminated for enjoyment and study by a wider audience, not just the aristocratic elites. The text at the bottom indicates this print was based on a painting in the Royal Gallery of Dresden. By looking at the history of the gallery, and Dresden's place within the political landscape of 18th century Europe, we can better understand the social forces that gave rise to this image.