Madonna des Bürgermeisters Meyer (Kopie)

Executed on oak, the work shows the characteristic chiaroscuro of Sarburgh’s early Baroque period: the deep, muted tones of the Virgin’s garment contrast with the lighter hues of the surrounding figures and the ornate archway behind them. The composition balances verticality and intimacy, guiding the viewer’s eye toward the infant.

The panel is a copy of an earlier devotional image, likely commissioned by or for the mayor (Bürgermeister) Meyer, as indicated by the title. It entered the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister’s holdings through acquisition in the 19th century, where it has remained in the museum’s German Baroque collection.

Sarburgh’s oeuvre often revisited Marian themes, integrating local patronage with religious iconography. This piece reflects the 17th‑century practice of producing copies of popular devotional images for private or civic use, aligning personal piety with public display.