Mary with the Child, Saint Catherine and John the Baptist - Franz Hanfstaengl

A fine lithographic reproduction by Franz Hanfstaengl, depicting a devotional scene after Bernardino Luini, showcasing masterful tonal control and classical composition.

This lithographic reproduction by Franz Hanfstaengl captures a devotional scene featuring the Virgin Mary, the Christ Child, Saint Catherine of Alexandria, and Saint John the Baptist. Hanfstaengl was a prominent figure in nineteenth-century German printmaking, known for his technical precision in translating oil paintings into the medium of lithography. This specific work reproduces an original composition by the Italian Renaissance master Bernardino Luini, which resides in the Alte Pinakothek in Munich.

The composition follows a traditional triangular arrangement, common in religious art of the period. The Virgin Mary sits to the left, cradling the infant Jesus, who reaches towards a scroll held by Saint John the Baptist. Saint Catherine stands centrally, her gaze directed outward, providing a calm anchor to the interaction between the figures. The background features a subtle landscape, typical of the period, which provides depth without distracting from the primary subjects. A small putto is visible at the top, adding a decorative element to the upper register of the frame.

Hanfstaengl’s mastery of tone is evident in the subtle transitions between light and shadow, particularly in the rendering of the drapery and the soft features of the figures. The lithographic process allows for a range of greys that mimic the sfumato technique often associated with the school of Leonardo da Vinci, to which Luini belonged. The print includes the original German title, 'Maria mit dem Kinde, Katharina, und Johannes der Taufer', along with details regarding the original painting's location in the Royal Gallery in Dresden. This print offers a clear view into the nineteenth-century practice of disseminating masterworks through high-quality reproductive prints, allowing audiences beyond the museum walls to engage with classical religious iconography.