The Virgin and Child

A reversed facsimile of a print which, according to Ruland (1876), was then housed in the Sammlung der Königlichen Kunst-Akademie in Düsseldorf and supposed to have been engraved by Raphael himself. Lettered with production details, crediting Raphael as the inventor of the composition at lower left (R.S.I). Lettered at lower right: ME. F. / Fr. Keller. With publisher’s blind stamp at lower centre (L. 4001).

The composition appears to be identical (although in reverse) to that reproduced in an engraving by Marcantonio Raimondi described as after a drawing by Raphael related to his paintings of the ‘Madonna di Foligno’ and ‘Madonna Sistina’. An impression of Marcantonio's engraving can be found at RCIN 850942.

Showing the Virgin sitting on clouds, supporting the standing Child who looks down, with angels amongst the clouds.