Who painted Saints Dymphna and Lucy?

Saints Dymphna and Lucy was painted by Goswin van der Weyden in 1504.

Where can I see Saints Dymphna and Lucy?

Saints Dymphna and Lucy is held by Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp.

What movement is Saints Dymphna and Lucy?

Saints Dymphna and Lucy is associated with Northern Renaissance.

Artwork

Saints Dymphna and Lucy

Goswin van der Weyden , 1504

Saints Dymphna and Lucy is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Goswin van der Weyden. It dates from 1504 and is held in the collection of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1504 by Flemish artist Goswin van der Weyden, this oil painting presents the saints Dymphna and Lucy standing together before a deep red backdrop. The work is part of the Northern Renaissance tradition and is presently housed in the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp.

Subject & Meaning

The composition features the two female saints side by side: Dymphna holds an open book, while Lucy bears a tall candle and a sword, symbols traditionally linked to their hagiographies. A diminutive red dragon or demonic figure coils in the lower corner, suggesting the saints' triumph over evil.

Technique & Style

Van der Weyden renders the garments with pronounced folds, using chiaroscuro to model the fabric and give it a three‑dimensional presence. The contrast between the illuminated figures and the dark background reflects the Antwerp school’s emphasis on realistic texture and light effects.

History & Provenance

Born into a lineage of painters, Goswin continued the legacy of his grandfather Rogier van der Weyden, adapting the Brussels school’s methods to Antwerp’s emerging artistic scene. The painting entered the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp’s collection, where it remains on display.