Virgin and Child with Angels

Gerard David

Created:
Movement:
1515
Renaissance
key Notes:
Renaissance Devotional Imagery, Luminous Color Palette
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Dimensions:
24 7/8 x 15 3/8 in. (63.2 x 39.1 cm)
medium:
Oil on wood
Difficulty:
Easy
New game
story of the work:

"Virgin and Child with Angels" is a painting by the Flemish artist Gerard David, created around 1510–15. The work exemplifies the Northern Renaissance style, characterized by its detailed realism and rich color palette. It depicts the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, accompanied by two angels, which reflects the theme of maternal tenderness and divine presence. The composition is notable for its intricate details, including the delicate rendering of fabrics and the serene expressions of the figures. David's use of light and shadow enhances the three-dimensionality of the figures, a technique that was innovative for its time. The painting is housed in the collection of the Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain. The exact provenance of the work prior to its acquisition by the museum is not well-documented. Gerard David is recognized as one of the leading painters of the early 16th century in the Low Countries, and his works often convey a deep sense of spirituality and emotional depth.

Description of the work:

"Virgin and Child with Angels" by Gerard David, created circa 1510–15, is an oil on wood painting that depicts the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, surrounded by two angels. The composition is characterized by a triangular arrangement, with the figures of Mary and the Child at the apex, creating a sense of stability and harmony. Mary is portrayed in a serene expression, dressed in a richly colored robe that contrasts with the lighter tones of the angels. The angels, depicted with delicate features and flowing garments, exhibit a sense of movement and grace, enhancing the overall ethereal quality of the scene. The background features a soft, atmospheric landscape that recedes into a distant horizon, contributing to the depth of the composition. The use of light and shadow is skillfully executed, highlighting the figures and creating a three-dimensional effect. The painting exemplifies the Northern Renaissance style, with meticulous attention to detail and a focus on naturalism.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Virgin and Child with Angels