Artwork

Virtue of Patience

Virtue of Patience, by Bernard Van Orley, oil, 1521
Virtue of Patience, by Bernard Van Orley, oil, 1521

Virtue of Patience is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Bernard Van Orley. It dates from 1521 and is held in the collection of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.

About this work

Overview

Virtue of Patience is a triptych oil painting created by Bernard van Orley in 1521. It is a representative work of the Northern Renaissance, blending regional traditions with Italian influences.

Subject & Meaning

The triptych depicts chaotic scenes across its three panels, with the central panel showing a crowded, distressed group of people, while the side panels display violence and fleeing figures. The work is categorized within the religious genre, though the specific narrative is not immediately clear.

Technique & Style

The painting employs chiaroscuro, using strong light and dark contrasts to create depth and drama. The color palette is muted, with browns and grays dominating. The central panel features a large, ornate structure in the background, adding to the scene's complexity.

History & Provenance

The painting is part of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium's collection. Created by Bernard van Orley, a Flemish artist known for his work in multiple mediums, it reflects his synthesis of Northern European and Italian Renaissance styles.

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…