Artwork

Roundel with Christ Taking Leave of His Mother

Roundel with Christ Taking Leave of His Mother, unspecified, 1511
Roundel with Christ Taking Leave of His Mother, unspecified, 1511

Roundel with Christ Taking Leave of His Mother is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1511 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This painting, titled Roundel with Christ Taking Leave of His Mother, presents a poignant religious scene. Executed as a roundel, the artwork focuses on Christ's farewell to his mother, Mary, before his Passion. The composition features Jesus alongside three female figures, conveying a mood of quiet contemplation and solemnity through their expressions and gestures.

Subject & Meaning

Jesus, identifiable by his halo and gesture of blessing or departure, stands before Mary and two other women.

The central narrative portrays Christ bidding farewell to his mother, a moment not explicitly detailed in the Gospels but a common devotional subject in Christian art. Jesus, identifiable by his halo and gesture of blessing or departure, stands before Mary and two other women. This depiction emphasizes the human sorrow and spiritual significance of Christ's impending sacrifice, inviting viewers to reflect on themes of devotion and separation.

Technique & Style

The painting employs a circular format, known as a roundel, to frame its intimate scene. Figures are rendered in long, flowing robes, with two of the women's heads covered, contributing to a sense of modesty and tradition. Jesus's halo signifies his divinity, while his raised hand suggests a formal farewell. The background remains understated and muted, ensuring that the emotional interaction between the figures remains the primary focus of the composition.

Artist & collection