This website presents our knowledge and research on this important aspect of the Royal Collection. As of April 2026 it will not be regularly updated and new research on this topic will sit within the main website.

Holy Families & Madonna and Child

Holy Families & Madonna and Child

AFTER RAPHAEL (URBINO 1483-ROME 1520)

The Virgin and Child

published 1803

Etching | 8.6 x 6.0 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 851258

An outline-etching after a drawing by Raphael (c.1509-11) currently in the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Lille (inv. no.455). Trimmed along all edges. Published in C.P. Landon, 'Vie et Œuvre complète de Raphaël Sanzio', 1803, plate 228. A photograph of the original drawing can be found at RCIN 851257. The drawing has been associated with a number of Virgin and Child compositions painted by Raphael between 1507 and 1512, including the so-called 'Garvagh Madonna' (see RCIN 850880). The photograph shows the three-quarter length Virgin, seated, holding the Christ Child on her lap, who reaches for His mother's veil with His left hand while looking up at her.
  • Creator(s)

    After Raphael (Urbino 1483-Rome 1520) (artist)

  • 8.6 x 6.0 cm (sheet of paper)

    7.6 x 5.6 cm (image)

  • Added to the Prince Consort's Raphael Collection (c.1853-76)

  • Subject(s)
    • Religion & Theology
      • Religions and faiths
        • Christianity
          • Devotional Images of Christ
            • Virgin & Child
          • Life of Christ
            • Infancy of Christ
              • Christ Child
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Industries, Crafts and Trades
        • Clothing
          • Headgear
            • Veils
  • Bibliographic reference(s)

    p.200, no.269v (Joannides 1983 : Joannides, P., 1983. The Drawings of Raphael, with a complete catalogue, Oxford)

    p.189, no.539v (Brejon de Lavergnée 1997 : Brejon de Lavergnée, B, 1997. Catalogue des dessins Italiens. Collections du Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille, Paris)