Artwork

Saint Mary of Egypt in the Desert

Saint Mary of Egypt in the Desert, by David Teniers the Younger, oil, 1655
Saint Mary of Egypt in the Desert, by David Teniers the Younger, oil, 1655

Saint Mary of Egypt in the Desert is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist David Teniers the Younger. It dates from 1655 and is held in the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Saint Mary of Egypt in the Desert is a 1655 oil painting by David Teniers the Younger, currently in the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The painting portrays Saint Mary of Egypt in a state of contemplation, seated on a rock amidst trees and a cross, conveying introspection through her pose and expression.

Technique & Style

Teniers employs chiaroscuro, juxtaposing dark colors with filtered light shining through the trees, to evoke a somber atmosphere and create depth.

History & Provenance

Created in 1655, the work's ownership history prior to its acquisition by the Philadelphia Museum of Art is not detailed in available information.

Context

The piece reflects Baroque-era artistic influences, notably in its use of dramatic lighting, a common technique among 17th-century European painters.

Legacy

While specific impact on later artists is not widely documented, the painting contributes to the broader legacy of chiaroscuro in Western art tradition.

Artist & collection

Portrait of David Teniers the Younger

Artist

David Teniers the Younger

David Teniers the Younger or David Teniers II was a Flemish Baroque painter, printmaker, and artist.