Artwork
Virgin at the fountain
Virgin at the fountain is a paint painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Jan van Eyck. It is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.
About this work
Overview
The Virgin at the Fountain is a 15th-century painting attributed to Jan van Eyck, a prominent artist of the Northern Renaissance. Created around 1450, it is an example of Early Netherlandish art.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts the Virgin Mary with the Christ child in a garden setting, featuring a stone fountain. The Christ child is unusually depicted with wings. The scene is a common motif in devotional art, symbolizing purity and spiritual nourishment.
Technique & Style
The work showcases Van Eyck's skill in oil painting, characterized by detailed realism and luminous glazes. The artist's use of color and light creates a sense of depth, with intricate details visible in the garden's foliage and flowers.
History & Provenance
The painting is held in the Gemäldegalerie Berlin. Jan van Eyck was active in Bruges, where he developed his distinctive style, influencing the development of Early Netherlandish painting.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jan van Eyck was a sharp-eyed observer who spent his life in the Low Countries, painting what he saw with almost eerie precision.
