Virgin and Child with Saints Catherine of Alexandria and Barbara, 1479
Hans Memling (Netherlandish, active by 1465, died 1494)
Oil on wood; Overall 26 7/8 x 28 7/8 in. (68.3 x 73.3 cm); painted surface 26 3/8 x 28 3/8 in. (67 x 72.1 cm)
Bequest of Benjamin Altman, 1913 (14.40.634)
Technical Glossary
Hans Memling (Netherlandish, active by 1465, died 1494)
Oil on wood; Overall 26 7/8 x 28 7/8 in. (68.3 x 73.3 cm); painted surface 26 3/8 x 28 3/8 in. (67 x 72.1 cm)
Bequest of Benjamin Altman, 1913 (14.40.634)
The composition of this enchanting picture was adapted from a large altarpiece painted in 1479 for Sint-Janshospitaal in Bruges. The donor at the left is shown saying his rosary as he contemplates Saint Catherine's mystic marriage to the infant Christ. Saint Barbara, whose identifying tower is behind her, sets a meditative example by reading. The grape arbor is a later addition.
Open full-size and alternate view(s)
Related Index Terms
Artist
Material and Technique
- • Painting, Oil on Wood
- • Painting, Oil on Wood, Europe
- • Painting, Oil on Wood, Europe, Low Countries
Object
Subject Matter/Theme
- • Figure, Biblical
- • Figure, Biblical, New Testament
- • Figure, Biblical, New Testament, Madonna and Child
- • Figure, Mother and Child
- • Figure, Saint
- • Figure, Saint, organized by geography, Europe
- • Figure, Saint, organized by geography, Europe, Low Countries
- • Figure, Saint, organized by name, Barbara
- • Figure, Saint, organized by name, Catherine
- • Religious Art, Christianity
