Highlights
Votive painting donated for a happy delivery
- Artist
- –
- Locality
- Lower Bavaria
- Date
- 1755
- Material
- Oil on wood
- Dimensions
- H. 34.5 cm
- Location
- Currently not on display
- Inventory Number
- Kr V 179
- Acquisition
- Acquired with the collection Rudolf Kriss in 1951
- Epoch
- Baroque and Rococo
Description
In the 18th century, childbirth was fraught with danger and the risk of mortality was high for both the mother and the new-born child. Accordingly, parents were grateful when a complicated birth went well. In Catholic regions, parents at times would thank the Virgin Mary for her help in this existential situation by donating a votive painting. This particular painting shows both the moment of birth and the swaddling of the healthy infant. Both scenes are bathed in a bright light by the sun-like radiance of the Madonna with Child, symbolizing her assistance.