Virgin and Child with a Rosary

Artemisia Gentileschi's Virgin and Child with a Rosary from 1651, in the Royal Monastery of El Escorial, is one of the last known works by the most celebrated female painter of the Italian Baroque. Gentileschi, famous for her powerful treatments of biblical heroines like Judith and Susanna, here produces a tender devotional image that demonstrates her range beyond the dramatic narrative subjects for which she is best known. The painting's presence in the Escorial reflects the Spanish royal collection's acquisition of important Italian Baroque works.

Gentileschi's late technique shows a softened palette and gentler handling compared to the dramatic tenebrism of her earlier works. The tender rendering of the Madonna and Child demonstrates accomplished command of devotional painting conventions within her characteristically warm Italian palette.