Artwork
Virgin with the sleeping Child
Virgin with the sleeping Child is a paint painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Cornelis van Cleve. It dates from 1564 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1564, *Virgin with the Sleeping Child* is an oil painting by the Flemish artist Cornelis van Cleve. Executed during the Northern Renaissance, the work is part of the collection of the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin. It presents a quiet devotional scene that reflects the painter’s focus on religious subjects.
Subject & Meaning
The composition shows the Virgin Mary cradling the infant Jesus, who lies peacefully asleep. Mary is dressed in a dark gown and a modest white veil, her gaze tenderly fixed on the child. The intimate moment emphasizes themes of maternal love and the humanity of Christ, inviting contemplation of the tender bond between mother and son.
Technique & Style
Van Cleve employs a pronounced chiaroscuro, using deep shadows behind the figures to heighten the illumination on their faces and hands. This contrast creates a three‑dimensional effect and draws the viewer’s eye to the central pair. The handling of light on the white fabrics and the subtle modeling of flesh demonstrate the painter’s skill in rendering texture and volume.
History & Provenance
Born into the workshop of his father Joos van Cleve, Cornelis trained in Antwerp before a brief period working in London. After its creation, the painting entered various private collections before being acquired by the Gemäldegalerie, Berlin, where it remains on display as an example of mid‑16th‑century Flemish devotional art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Cornelis van Cleve, Cornelis van Cleef or Cornelis van der Beke, nickname Sotte Cleve ('Mad Cleve') (1520 in Antwerp – 1567/1614) was a Flemish Renaissance painter active in Antwerp who is known for his religious compositions and portraits.
