Artwork
The Virgin and Child
The Virgin and Child is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Lucas van Leyden. It dates from 1530 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
As a work of religious genre, the image serves as a devotional focus, emphasizing the humanity and divinity of the figures through their intimate portrayal.
Created in 1530 by Lucas van Leyden, this oil painting on panel depicts the Madonna and Child, a central subject in religious art. The composition features the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, representing the theological bond between mother and son. As a work of religious genre, the image serves as a devotional focus, emphasizing the humanity and divinity of the figures through their intimate portrayal.
The depiction aligns with traditional iconography where Mary is presented as the devoted mother and Jesus as the young boy, reinforcing themes of maternal care and spiritual significance within the Christian faith.
Technique & Style
Created in 1530 by Lucas van Leyden, this religious painting is executed in oil paint on a wooden panel. The work measures 34.5 cm in height and 27.5 cm in width. Stylistically, the composition focuses on the Madonna and Child, depicting the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child.
The piece is currently held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, having previously been part of the Adolphe Schloss collection.
History & Provenance
Painted in 1530, the work is securely dated to that year by both the internal source and the Wikidata record.
The earliest documented owner is the Adolphe Schloss collection, where the painting resided before entering the Rijksmuseum. The museum’s collection record identifies the panel as part of Schloss’s holdings and lists its dimensions as 34.5 cm in height and 27.5 cm in width.
Overview
Lucas van Leyden, a prominent Dutch artist of the Northern Renaissance, completed The Virgin and Child in 1530. This oil painting depicts a traditional religious subject, showcasing the Christ Child with his mother, Mary. The work is a notable example of the period's devotional art and is currently housed in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, where it represents a key piece by the artist.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Lucas van Leyden (1494 – 8 August 1533), was a Dutch painter and printmaker in engraving and woodcut. Lucas van Leyden was among the first Dutch exponents of genre painting and was a very accomplished engraver.
