Artwork

Wing of Lazarus triptych with donor and Saint James

Wing of Lazarus triptych with donor and Saint James, by Aertgen van Leyden, oil, 1530
Wing of Lazarus triptych with donor and Saint James, by Aertgen van Leyden, oil, 1530

Wing of Lazarus triptych with donor and Saint James is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Aertgen van Leyden. It dates from 1530 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Overview

The Wing of Lazarus triptych with donor and Saint James is a 16th-century oil painting by Aertgen van Leyden, created in 1530. This Northern Renaissance work is a religious painting featuring two male figures in an outdoor setting.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts Saint James the Elder, identifiable by his red robe and staff, alongside a shorter, unidentified donor. The donor is portrayed in a brown, fur-lined coat with a serious expression, contrasting with the saint’s more subdued, partially obscured presence.

Technique & Style

Aertgen van Leyden employed chiaroscuro to create depth, using strong contrasts of light and dark. The saint’s red robe and the donor’s face are highlighted, while the surrounding landscape and parts of the figures recede into shadow, enhancing the sense of volume.

History & Provenance

The triptych is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection in Amsterdam, though its history prior to acquisition is not detailed here.

Context

As a Northern Renaissance piece, it reflects the period’s attention to detail and the use of religious themes for devotional and commemorative purposes, likely commissioned for a private chapel or church.

Legacy

While specific influence or notable exhibitions are not highlighted, the work contributes to the understanding of 16th-century Dutch religious art and the techniques of the Northern Renaissance.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Aertgen van Leyden

Artist

Aertgen van Leyden

Aertgen Claesz. van Leyden (c. 1498 – c. 1564), also known as Allaert or Aert van Leyden or Aert Claesz. van Leyden, was a 16th-Century Dutch painter, draughtsman and designer of stained glass. Works by this artist can…

Rijksmuseum

Museum

Rijksmuseum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Rijksmuseum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.