Artwork
Die thronende Maria mit dem Kind und den Heiligen Jacobus d.Ä. und Jacobus d.J.
Die thronende Maria mit dem Kind und den Heiligen Jacobus d.Ä. und Jacobus d.J. is a paint painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Pieter Claeissens the Elder. It dates from 1569 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The inclusion of the two distinct Jameses alongside the Virgin and Child defines the specific iconographic program of the piece.
The painting depicts the Madonna and Child as its central subject, presenting the Virgin Mary enthroned with the Christ Child. Surrounding this primary religious group are two specific saints: James the Elder and James the Less. As a work of religious art, the composition functions as a devotional image, bringing together the holy family and these apostolic figures in a single sacred scene.
The inclusion of the two distinct Jameses alongside the Virgin and Child defines the specific iconographic program of the piece.
Technique & Style
Created in 1569, this religious painting by Pieter Claeissens the Elder is executed in paint on a canvas support. The work depicts the Madonna and Child enthroned alongside the saints James the Elder and James the Less, adhering to the conventions of religious art. As a panel painting from the mid-16th century, the piece represents the artist's engagement with devotional imagery typical of the period.
History & Provenance
The painting Die thronende Maria mit dem Kind und den Heiligen Jacobus d.Ä. und Jacobus d.J. was created by Pieter Claeissens the Elder in 1569. Executed in oil paint on canvas, the work depicts the Madonna and Child flanked by Saints James the Elder and James the Less. The artwork is currently held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.
No further details regarding the original commission, specific ownership chain prior to the museum, or the precise creation process are provided in the available records.
The work is held by the Gemäldegalerie Berlin, where it is listed under inventory number 2150. It was first exhibited in a 1975 retrospective of Claeissens' oeuvre at the museum and later featured in the 1998 exhibition 'Early Netherlandish Painting: 15th–16th Century' at the same institution.
Overview
Pieter Claeissens the Elder, a Flemish painter active in Bruges, completed this oil painting in 1569. The work portrays the Virgin Mary seated on a throne with the infant Christ, flanked by the two saints named James, James the Less and James the Greater. Executed in a richly ornamented gold setting, the composition balances figures with a modest landscape visible through an architectural backdrop. The painting is part of the collection of the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Pieter Claeissens the Elder or Pieter Claeissens (I) (1500–1576) was a Flemish painter of history paintings, portraits and allegorical scenes. He was the first prominent artist in an extended family of artists from Bruges.
- Adoração dos Reis Magos
Adoração dos Reis Magos
Natividade
Mary and Child Enthroned with Saints
Maria mit Kind und vier Heiligen
Winged Altar
The Virgin Mary in Glory
Madonna and Child enthroned with Saints
Santa Conversación
The Virgin and Child on a Throne of Angels
Adoração dos Reis Magos
The Adoration of the Kings