De Madonna van de Santa Casa van Loreto

About this artwork

hoogte 309 mm x breedte 171 mm

Art Historical Context

**De Madonna van de Santa van Loreto** by Girolamo Brusaro (1710–1760) is a delicate pen drawing measuring 309 mm high by 171 mm wide, a revered icon of the Virgin Mary. This intimate work depicts the Madonna associated with the Santa Casa di Loreto, sacred house in Italy believed to be the Nazareth home of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, miraculously transported by angels in the 13th century. As a major pilgrimage site, the shrine inspired countless devotional artworks across Europe, blending faith with artistic devotion. Created during the 18th century, Brusaferro's piece reflects the lingering Baroque emphasis on religious fervor and intricate detail, executed solely in pen for precise lines and subtle shading. The modest scale suggests it may have served as a personal study, preparatory sketch, or pious reproduction for private contemplation, highlighting the era's accessibility of sacred imagery beyond grand altarpieces. This artwork invites visitors to appreciate the enduring cultural power of Marian devotion, where a simple pen stroke evokes profound spiritual history. Brusaferro's focused technique underscores the artist's skill in conveying holiness through minimal means, making it a gem for admirers of 18th-century draftsmanship.

About the Artist

Girolamo Brusaferro · 1679–1745

Comment on works: Religious; History