Jacopo Amigoni (1682-1752), Jacopo Amigoni (1682-1752) Madonna with baby Jesus and John the Baptist

Oil on canvas, 100 × 77cm.

Jacopo Amigoni - born in Naples and died in Madrid, studied in Venice and is one of the most important Venetian rococo painters. His artistic endeavors extended across various European localities, including Germany, London, Venice, and Madrid, thus disseminating his distinctive and captivating style across diverse regions.

At first glance, the scene featuring Mary, the infant Jesus, and young John exudes the ambiance of a genre painting, wherein the mother observes her children at play. The baby Jesus stands atop a stool, grasps a small crucifix in his hand, while inclining towards young John, who pays homage to Jesus by holding a banner inscribed with the words "Ecce Agnus Dei" (Behold the Lamb of God). Through their innocent interactions, the children symbolically foreshadow the future events of Jesus' baptism in the Jordan River.
Mary, attired in a crimson robe, gazes upon John with a blend of seriousness and affection, her right arm encircling his waist tenderly. With her other arm extended behind the baby Jesus, holding his diaper in her hand while a blue coat lies over his shoulder. Her blonde hair is loosely covered by a beige veil that falls over her front shoulder. Illuminated from the top right, the lighting casts a three-dimensional effect upon the figures, emphasizing their presence against the darkened background..


Amigoni has explored the theme of the Madonna with the Child John and Child Jesus on multiple occasions Within the Bavarian State Painting Collections resides a painting by Amigoni, showcasing a variation of the same subject matter. In this rendition, Jesus is depicted standing while John gazes up from below, with Mary and the child Jesus turning their heads towards each other (Inv. N: 2415). Originating from the Attel Monastery, the painting in Munich is believed to have been created during the latter period of Amigoni's residence in Bavaria, spanning from 1725 to 1729—an era likely corresponding to the creation of the present picture.

The artwork is encased within a splendid, intricately carved, gilded leaf frame, adorned with volutes at the centers and lush acanthus tendrils, adding to its grandeur and aesthetic appeal. Oil on canvas, 100 × 77cm. Signed lower right