The Virgin and Child on a Grassy Bank, ca. 1475

About the Work

This little engraving depicts the Virgin and Christ Child on a grassy bank of the kind serving as a seat in a cosy garden. A pasture fence separates the peaceful scene from the world outside and locates it in a “hortus conclusus”, or “enclosed garden”, a symbol of virginity. While the child—set off brightly against the dark shadows surrounding it—reaches for a piece of fruit, the elaborate folds of the mantle draped across Mary’s lap lend her a certain gentility.