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Virgin and Child

Workshop of Gerard David Netherlandish
1490–1523
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 953
The infant Christ embraces his mother as the pair touch cheeks in an intimate expression of familial love. This panel may have been part of a devotional diptych, perhaps paired with an image of a donor figure or Christ Taking Leave of His Mother. Such a small picture would be easily transportable for devotional practice during travel. The painting was likely produced in the workshop of the Bruges-based artist Gerard David (ca. 1455-1523). In the early sixteenth century David tailored his creative output to meet the growing demands of the open market, creating series of images in a streamlined fashion with the participation of assistants and apprentices. It is in this context that the Virgin and Child belongs.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Virgin and Child
  • Artist: Workshop of Gerard David (Netherlandish, Oudewater ca. 1455–1523 Bruges)
  • Date: 1490–1523
  • Culture: Netherlandish
  • Medium: Oil on oak panel
  • Dimensions: Overall: 6 1/8 x 4 1/2 in. (15.6 x 11.4 cm); Painted Surface: 5 3/4 x 4 1/8 in. (14.6 x 10.5 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Robert Lehman Collection, 1975
  • Object Number: 1975.1.118
  • Curatorial Department: The Robert Lehman Collection

More Artwork

More Artwork
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Studies of ten (?) heads and two ears (recto); Studies of three figures and a head (verso), Gerard David Netherlandish, Metalpoint on prepared paper; verso: black chalk
Studies of ten (?) heads and two ears (recto); Studies of three figures and a head (verso)
Gerard David
ca. 1498
The Annunciation, Gerard David Netherlandish, Tempera on parchment
The Annunciation
Gerard David
ca. 1510
Holy Face, Gerard David Netherlandish, Tempera and gold leaf on parchment that has been trimmed and laid down on thin walnut
Holy Face
Gerard David
ca. 1485–90
Archangel Gabriel; The Virgin Annunciate, Gerard David Netherlandish, Oil on oak panel
Archangel Gabriel; The Virgin Annunciate
Gerard David
ca. 1510
Christ Carrying the Cross, with the Crucifixion; The Resurrection, with the Pilgrims of Emmaus, Gerard David Netherlandish, Oil on oak panel
Christ Carrying the Cross, with the Crucifixion; The Resurrection, with the Pilgrims of Emmaus
Gerard David
ca. 1510

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