The Madonna and Child with Two Angels and Saints Scholastica, Benedict, Roch, Peter, Paul and Jerome

Art Historical Context

In the grand tradition of Venetian Baroque art, *The Madonna and Child with Two and Saints Scholastica,, Roch, Peter,, and Jerome* is an exquisite etching by Francesco Fonteb, created around 1740 after a composition by his mentor, Sebastiano Ricci. This reproductive print captures Ricci's dynamic style—characterized by swirling drapery, dramatic lighting, and a heavenly assembly of figures—translating his oil painting into an intimate, accessible format. The central Madonna tenderly holds the Christ Child, surrounded by protective angels and revered saints, evoking themes of divine intercession and spiritual protection popular in 18th-century Catholic devotion. Etching on laid paper, a technique Fontebasso mastered, involves incising lines into a metal plate with acid, allowing for rich tonal contrasts and fluid lines that mimic Ricci's painterly brushstrokes. Measuring 46.1 × 28.8 cm on the plate, this work exemplifies how prints democratized high art, enabling collectors across Europe to own versions of prestigious altarpieces without the original's scale or cost. Produced during Venice's Rococo flourish, it reflects the era's blend of grandeur and elegance. A gift to the National Gallery of Art from Andrée and Jonathan Bober, this piece highlights the collaborative spirit of Venetian workshops, where pupils like Fontebasso honored masters like Ricci, preserving their legacy through innovative printmaking. Visitors will appreciate its intricate details, inviting closer inspection of the saints' expressive faces and ethereal glow.