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Portrait of a Man Praying

Master of the Legend of the Magdalene

1515

oil

panel

From the collection of Philadelphia Museum of Art

Northern Renaissance Renaissance Portrait

Dominant colour

Portrait of a Man Praying is a 1515 oil by Master of the Legend of the Magdalene, a Northern Renaissance work, held at Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Master of the Legend of the Magdalene
When & what style?: 1515 · Northern Renaissance
Where can I see it?: Philadelphia Museum of Art

About this work

This portrait depicts a man with dark hair and bangs, wearing a red and black robe over a white shirt. His hands are clasped together in prayer, and he wears a black cord around his neck. The background is a dark blue wall. The man's attire and hairstyle suggest a sense of modesty and devotion. The artist's use of oil paint creates a sense of depth and texture, drawing the viewer's attention to the subject's face and hands. To learn more about the artist's technique, look up glazing.

About the artist

Artist

Master of the Legend of the Magdalene

The Master of the Legend of the Magdalen (sometimes called the Master of the Magdalen Legend) was an Early Netherlandish painter active from circa 1483 to 1527.

See the richer artist page