DISCOVERART

Master E.S.

The Large Einsiedeln Madonna

1466
Engraving in black on ivory laid paper
20.6 × 12.2 cm (8.1 × 4.8 in)

SEE IT IN PERSON

Not currently on view

In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

View at artic.edu ↗Plan a visit ↗

Discussion

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

In 1466, the early anonymous master of engraving (known by the initials E. S.) was commissioned to make three engravings to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Papal Bull that granted absolution to pilgrims who worshipped at the statue of Madonna in the Benedictine Monastery at Einsiedeln near Zurich. This is the finest known impression of the largest of the three plates undertaken by the master E.S. and represents one of the earliest masterpieces of the art of engraving.

Source ↗

Be the first to share your thoughts.

Sign in to join the discussion.

Community guidelines

More by Master E.S.

Thistle Ornament With Wild ManThistle Ornament With Wild ManSt. PeterSt. PeterSaint John on the Island of PatmosSaint John on the Island of PatmosAugustus and the SibylAugustus and the SibylThe Letter B, from The AlphabetThe Letter B, from The AlphabetThe Adoration of the MagiThe Adoration of the MagiThe Martyrdom of Saint SebastianThe Martyrdom of Saint SebastianOrnament with Women FightingOrnament with Women Fighting

More like this

Adoration of the MagiMaster IAM of Zwolle — Adoration of the MagiVirgin and Child, Abbot Ludwig KneelingVirgin and Child, Abbot Ludwig KneelingAdoration of the MagiMaster IAM of Zwolle — Adoration of the MagiMadonna Enthroned with Eight AngelsMaster ES (German, active 1450–67) — Madonna Enthroned with The Madonna with St. Anne, St. Catherine and St. BarbaraIsrahel van Meckenem, the younger — The Madonna with St. AnnThe Adoration of the MagiMaster I.A.M. of Zwolle — The Adoration of the MagiThe Suicide of LucretiaIsrahel van Meckenem, the younger — The Suicide of LucretiaAdoration of the MagiMartin Schongauer (German, c. 1450–1491) — Adoration of the The NativityMair von Landshut — The NativityAltarpiece with the Beautiful Virgin of Regensburg and Saints Christopher, Mary Magdalen, Florian and Catherine Standing in Niches, with God the Father AboveAlbrecht Altdorfer — Altarpiece with the Beautiful Virgin ofThe Holy FamilyIsrahel van Meckenem, the younger — The Holy FamilyThe NativityNicolaus Alexander Mair von Landshut — The Nativity