Artwork
The Coronation of the Virgin
The Coronation of the Virgin is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Peter Paul Rubens. It dates from 1632 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
This imagery serves to illustrate the exaltation of Mary within the Catholic faith, symbolizing her role as intercessor and queen of the celestial realm.
The painting depicts the religious subject known as the Coronation of the Virgin, a scene from Christian tradition where the Virgin Mary is crowned as Queen of Heaven. The composition includes figures representing Christ or God the Father presiding over the coronation ceremony. This imagery serves to illustrate the exaltation of Mary within the Catholic faith, symbolizing her role as intercessor and queen of the celestial realm.
The depiction underscores the spiritual hierarchy and the divine honor bestowed upon Mary at the end of her earthly life.
Technique & Style
The Coronation of the Virgin is executed in oil paint on panel, a support Rubens frequently employed for smaller devotional works of this scale. The composition measures 49.8 by 40.6 centimeters, a modest format suited to private religious contemplation. Stylistically, the work belongs to Rubens's late religious output of 1632, employing the dynamic figural grouping, rich coloration, and dramatic upward movement characteristic of his mature handling of Marian imagery.
The use of a wooden panel rather than canvas supports the smooth, refined surface finish typical of Rubens's cabinet pictures.
History & Provenance
Peter Paul Rubens executed the oil-on-panel painting The Coronation of the Virgin in 1632. The work measures 49.8 by 40.6 centimeters. While the specific commissioning patron and initial creation location are not detailed in the available records, the painting's provenance includes ownership by Scofield Thayer.
Following this period of private possession, the artwork entered the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is currently housed.
Overview
Peter Paul Rubens, a prominent Flemish artist and diplomat, completed The Coronation of the Virgin in 1632. This oil painting exemplifies the Flemish Baroque movement, known for its energetic compositions and rich color palettes. The artwork depicts a significant religious event: the Virgin Mary's ascent to queen of heaven. It is currently housed in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Sir Peter Paul Rubens ( ROO-bənz; Dutch:; 28 June 1577 – 30 May 1640) was a Flemish artist and diplomat.
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