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 reading a book

published 1803

Etching | 8.1 x 6.1 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 851194

An outline-etching reproducing a drawing by Raphael (c.1502-03) currently housed in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford (inv. no.WA1846.152a). Trimmed along all edges. Published in Published in C.P. Landon, 'Vie et Œuvre complète de Raphaël Sanzio', 1803, plate no.228. A photograph of the original drawing at RCIN 851193.

The print shows the half-length Virgin supporting the Christ Child with her right hand, who sits on a parapet and reaches for the book held by His mother, with view of landscape beyond.
  • Creator(s)

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

  • 8.1 x 6.1 cm (sheet of paper)

    7.5 x 5.7 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
              • Virgin & Child-Reading a book
          • Life of Christ
            • Infancy of Christ
              • Christ Child