Where can I see Mary with Christ-child (epitaphe of Oswald von Straubing)?

Mary with Christ-child (epitaphe of Oswald von Straubing) is held by Bavarian State Painting Collections.

What movement is Mary with Christ-child (epitaphe of Oswald von Straubing)?

Mary with Christ-child (epitaphe of Oswald von Straubing) is associated with Northern Renaissance.

Artwork

Mary with Christ-child (epitaphe of Oswald von Straubing)

Mary with Christ-child (epitaphe of Oswald von Straubing) is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Unknown. It dates from 1500 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.

About this work

Overview

The oil painting titled *Mary with Christ‑child (epitaphe of Oswald von Straubing)* depicts a seated woman in dark, gold‑embroidered robes holding a small child in a simple white tunic. The figures are set against a decorative frame featuring swirling motifs, and the woman's expression is calm yet solemn as she gazes toward the child.

Subject & Meaning

The work presents a devotional image of the Virgin Mary with the infant Jesus, likely intended for a funerary context, as suggested by the epitaph reference to Oswald von Straubing. The intimate pose and gentle contact between mother and child convey themes of maternal protection and spiritual intercession.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil, the painting employs chiaroscuro to model the figures, creating a contrast between the illuminated gold details of the woman's garments and the deeper shadows of the background. The ornamental frame is rendered with fine linear patterns, adding a decorative border that frames the central scene.

History & Provenance

The title links the work to an epitaph for Oswald von Straubing, indicating it may have been commissioned for a tomb or memorial. Specific details about the artist, date of creation, and subsequent ownership are not provided in the available information.

Context

Such Marian representations were common in late medieval and early Renaissance devotional art, serving both liturgical and private commemorative functions. The inclusion of elaborate gold embroidery reflects contemporary tastes for richly adorned ecclesiastical attire.