Artwork

De onthoofding van de H. Matthias

De onthoofding van de H. Matthias, by Bernard Van Orley, oil, 1513
De onthoofding van de H. Matthias, by Bernard Van Orley, oil, 1513

De onthoofding van de H. Matthias is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Bernard Van Orley. It dates from 1513 and is held in the collection of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium. De onthoofding van de H.

About this work

Overview

De onthoofding van de H. Matthias is a 1513 oil painting by Bernard van Orley, a Flemish artist based in Brussels. It exemplifies the Northern Renaissance style.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a religious scene featuring multiple figures, including a kneeling woman in white in the foreground. A cityscape with a horse and rider is visible in the background, creating a sense of depth and movement.

Technique & Style

The dominant colors are muted browns and greens, with the woman's white clothing providing a focal point. The artist's use of chiaroscuro adds depth to the scene.

History & Provenance

Created in 1513, the painting reflects Van Orley's versatility as an artist, who also worked in tapestry design and stained glass, showing Italian Renaissance influences despite not having visited Italy.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Bernard Van Orley

Artist

Bernard Van Orley

Bernard van Orley (between 1487 and 1491 – 6 January 1541), also called Barend or Barent van Orley, Bernaert van Orley or Barend van Brussel, was a versatile Flemish artist and representative of Dutch and Flemish…