Watercolor, 5 x 7
Black Madonna of Czestochowa
2010 dbcarey
A straightforward watercolor, embellished with gel pen for a bit of sparkle. After admiring a friend's collection of religious icons, I decided to try my hand at the image of the Black Madonna of Czestochowa. The shade of watercolor lightens as it dries, and I feel I underestimated the darkness needed for her complexion, but am otherwise satisfied with the results. The proportions of the baby Jesus are in the style of a 'miniature adult' as many paintings were at the time, rather than the proportions of an actual infant or toddler. There are several theories as to the reason for the Madonna's portrayal with facial scars,
and you can read about it in Wikipedia. I found this image so charming, and enjoyed its making.
and you can read about it in Wikipedia. I found this image so charming, and enjoyed its making.
I find this painting adorable on so many levels. First, the actual drawing, second, the coloring, and third, the detail, detail, detail, like the cross on her sleeve. But possibly the best is how true you stayed to the time period this would have been painted. I so love those icons where children are mini adults. The artists of the time simply didn't know how to handle babies. Probably because they were all men!
ReplyDeleteI love it as you know, it's perfect in all ways. The details are wonderful as well as the colors. Yes it is interesting that the baby is an adult image, just in miniature. All the icons of the Madonna and Baby Jesus are the same way. But when you see icons of other Saints, no babies, no little adults. Thanks you for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteYour work is wonderful and your blog is lovely.
ReplyDeleteRenee xoxo