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Christ Blessing

Gerard David Netherlandish
ca. 1500–1505
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 635

This highly spiritual and exquisitely rendered Christ Blessing was adapted from Byzantine icons brought to the Low Countries in the fifteenth century. The panel differs from the Byzantine models in the freshness of observation evident in Christ’s face and in the delicate articulation of the hands, the latter based on Gerard David’s drawings made from life.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Christ Blessing
  • Artist: Gerard David (Netherlandish, Oudewater ca. 1455–1523 Bruges)
  • Date: ca. 1500–1505
  • Medium: Oil on wood
  • Dimensions: Overall, including engaged frame, 4 3/4 x 3 1/2 in. (12.1 x 8.9 cm); painted surface 3 5/8 x 2 3/8 in. (9.2 x 6 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Purchase, The Cloisters Collection, Hester Diamond and Kowitz Family Foundation Gifts, Dodge Fund, and Malcolm Hewitt Wiener Foundation Gift, 2009
  • Object Number: 2009.415
  • Curatorial Department: European Paintings

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
Virgin and Child, Gerard David Netherlandish, Oil on oak panel, Netherlandish
Virgin and Child
Gerard David
1490–1523
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

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