Artwork
The Birth of the Virgin
The Birth of the Virgin is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Erasmus Quellinus II. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.
About this work
Overview
The Birth of the Virgin is a 17th-century oil painting by Erasmus Quellinus II, a Flemish artist trained under Peter Paul Rubens. Created around 1650, it is characteristic of the Flemish Baroque style and is now part of the Museo del Prado's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts the birth of the Virgin Mary, showing a crowded, warmly lit room with women attending to the new mother and her child. Two winged figures above hold a scroll with Latin text, adding a divine element to the scene.
Technique & Style
Quellinus's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth, with light highlighting certain faces while others remain in shadow. The heavy, textured robes and rich colors – deep reds, soft yellows, and pale blues – contribute to the overall Baroque effect, drawing the viewer's eye through the scene.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Erasmus Quellinus the Younger or Erasmus Quellinus II (November 19, 1607 – November 11, 1678) was a Flemish painter, engraver, draughtsman and tapestry designer who worked in various genres including history, portrait, allegorical, battle…
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