Artwork
The Seven Works of Mercy
The Seven Works of Mercy is an oil painting by Master of Alkmaar. It dates from 1504 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
The Seven Works of Mercy is a 1504 oil painting by the Master of Alkmaar, a Dutch artist active in Alkmaar during the early 16th century.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts the seven corporal acts of mercy, showing a group of people performing acts of kindness, such as helping those in need, in a busy scene divided into two parts.
Technique & Style
The work is characterized by bright colors, exaggerated figures, and the use of chiaroscuro, a technique that creates a strong contrast between light and dark areas, adding depth to the scene.
History & Provenance
The painting was part of a series originally created for the church of Saint Lawrence in Alkmaar; the Master of Alkmaar may be identical to Cornelis Buys I, a Dutch painter.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
The Master of Alkmaar was a Dutch painter active around Alkmaar at the beginning of the sixteenth century.
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The Seven Works of Mercy
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