#19317 Martin Schongauer

The drawing presents a seated female figure, centrally positioned and bathed in a halo that emphasizes her sanctity. She holds a small infant close to her chest, engaged in what appears to be breastfeeding. The composition is structured around a symmetrical arrangement; the woman sits on an elaborate chair with decorative carvings, which anchors her within the scene.
The landscape behind them is rendered with meticulous detail using cross-hatching techniques that create depth and texture. A distant castle or fortified structure perches atop a hill, suggesting a sense of protection or divine authority. The terrain slopes downwards towards a body of water, where small boats are visible on the surface. A solitary tree stands to the right, its bare branches reaching upwards, adding a vertical element to the composition.
The artist’s use of line is particularly noteworthy. Fine, parallel lines create the impression of fabric folds in the womans garments and define the contours of her face and body. The infant’s form is delicately rendered, conveying tenderness and vulnerability.
Beyond the immediate depiction of a maternal scene, the drawing seems to explore themes of piety, nurture, and divine grace. The landscape elements – the castle, the water, the tree – contribute to an atmosphere of serenity and timelessness. The inclusion of the halo firmly establishes the woman’s elevated status within a religious context. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation and reverence.