Artwork
Two donors from a wing of an altarpiece
Two donors from a wing of an altarpiece is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Master of the Legend of the Magdalene. It dates from 1515 and is held in the collection of the Fitzwilliam Museum. This oil painting, created in 1515, is a fragment of a larger altarpiece.
About this work
Overview
This oil painting, created in 1515, is a fragment of a larger altarpiece. It is attributed to the Master of the Legend of the Magdalene, a Netherlandish artist active during the late 15th and early 16th centuries.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts two donors, a man and a woman, standing together with clasped hands. They are set against a backdrop of a stone wall and blue sky, evoking a sense of solemnity and reverence. The donors' attire suggests a formal or devotional context.
Technique & Style
The work is characteristic of the northern Renaissance style, with attention to detail and realism. The use of oil paint allows for rich colors and subtle textures, as seen in the donors' clothing and the stone wall behind them.
History & Provenance
The painting is now held in the Fitzwilliam Museum. Its attribution to the Master of the Legend of the Magdalene is based on stylistic similarities to the artist's known works, including a polyptych depicting scenes from the life of Mary Magdalene.
Artist & collection
Artist
Master of the Legend of the Magdalene
The Master of the Legend of the Magdalen (sometimes called the Master of the Magdalen Legend) was an Early Netherlandish painter active from circa 1483 to 1527.
Madonna and Child
Two Wings of a Triptych with the Donor, Thomas Isaacq, accompanied by Saint Thomas (left, outer wing), and the Donor's Wife accompanied by Saint Margaret (right, outer wing)
The Raising of Lazarus
The Holy Family
St. Mary Magdalene hunting before her conversion
Maria met kind
Bildnis einer jugendlichen Fürstin
Maria mit dem Kind
