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| The Virgin and Child with a Cat | |
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| Artist | Rembrandt |
| Year | 1654 |
| Medium | Etching on paper |
| Dimensions | 9.5 cm × 14.5 cm (3.7 in × 5.7 in) |
The Virgin and Child with a Cat is anetching made in 1654 by the Dutch artistRembrandt van Rijn (1606–1669). TheVictoria and Albert Museum has in its collection one of the earliest impressions of this etching and the actual copper plate from which the image is taken.
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This print shows a homely scene of maternal affection but it is also a powerful piece of Christian symbolism. While the cat on the left is playing with the Virgin's hem, a snake can be seen slithering out from under her skirt. TheVirgin is treading on the snake, symbolising her role as the new Eve, who will triumph overoriginal sin.Joseph looks in from outside the window, symbolising his closeness to, but also his separation from, the Virgin and Child. The pattern of the window's glazing creates the impression of a halo around the Virgin's head.
Media related toThe Virgin and the Child with the Cat and Snake at Wikimedia Commons | This article about a seventeenth-century painting is astub. You can help Wikipedia byexpanding it. |
