ARTWORKS

The Virgin and Child with the Magdalen and Saint John the Baptist

Andrea Mantegna (c.1431–1506)

The National Gallery, London

The Virgin and Child with the Magdalen and Saint John the Baptist

Image credit: The National Gallery, London

How you can use this image

This image can be used for non-commercial research or private study purposes, and other UK exceptions to copyright permitted to users based in the United Kingdom under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised. Any other type of use will need to be cleared with the rights holder(s).

Review the copyright credit lines that are located underneath the image, as these indicate who manages the copyright (©) within the artwork, and the photographic rights within the image.

The collection that owns the artwork may have more information on their own website about permitted uses and image licensing options.

Review our guidance pages which explain how you can reuse images, how to credit an image and how to find images in the public domain or with a Creative Commons licence available.

Buy a print or image licence

You can purchase this reproduction

If you have any products in your basket we recommend that you complete your purchase from Art UK before you leave our site to avoid losing your purchases.

Order a print

Notes

Add or edit a note on this artwork that only you can see. You can find notes again by going to the ‘Notes’ section of your account.

The Christ Child stands on the Virgin Mary's lap, making a gesture of blessing. She is seated under a red canopy, between John the Baptist and Mary Magdalene, who looks up towards heaven.Mary Magdalene raises up a small pot, a reminder of the spices she used to anoint Christ's body after his death. The Virgin's solemn expression as she rests her head against that of her child is one of maternal tenderness, but also an indication of her grief to come. Along with John the Baptist's cross and Mary Magdalene's ointment, it is a reminder of the fate of the infant on her lap: his crucifixion and death.We do not know which church this altarpiece was made for. It is painted on canvas, so Mantegna could have painted it in his studio in Mantua, rolled it up and sent it to wherever it was required.

The National Gallery, London

London

Read more on The National Gallery, London
Title

The Virgin and Child with the Magdalen and Saint John the Baptist

Date

probably 1490-1505

Medium

Egg tempera on canvas

Measurements

H 139.1 x W 116.8 cm

Accession number

NG274

Acquisition method

Bought, 1855

Work type

Painting

Tags

See a tag that’s incorrect or offensive? Challenge it and notify Art UK.

Help improve Art UK. Tag artworks and verify existing tags by joining the Tagger community.

Learn more Tag this
Normally on display at

The National Gallery, London

Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England

View venue

Artist or maker

Andrea Mantegna

c.1431–1506

View profile
  • Man of Sorrows
    Man of Sorrows The Courtauld Gallery
  • The Holy Family with Saint John the Baptist
    The Holy Family with Saint John the Baptist The National Gallery, London
  • Samson and Delilah
    Samson and Delilah The National Gallery, London
  • The Vestal Virgin Tuccia with a Sieve
    The Vestal Virgin Tuccia with a Sieve The National Gallery, London
  • The Introduction of the Cult of Cybele at Rome
    The Introduction of the Cult of Cybele at Rome The National Gallery, London
  • A Woman Drinking
    A Woman Drinking The National Gallery, London
  • The Virgin and Child with the Magdalen and Saint John the Baptist
    The Virgin and Child with the Magdalen and Saint John the Baptist The National Gallery, London
  • 7 more