Artwork
Virgin and Child with Three Saints
Virgin and Child with Three Saints is an unspecified painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Master of the Life of the Virgin. It dates from 1470 and is held in the collection of the Solly Collection.
About this work
Overview
Virgin and Child with Three Saints is a 15th-century religious painting by the Master of the Life of the Virgin, dated to 1470. It is part of the collection at the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts the Virgin Mary with the infant Jesus, accompanied by three saints. Mary wears a blue robe with a white lining over a red dress, seated in a serene, natural setting with trees and grass. One saint holds a book, underscoring religious devotion.
Technique & Style
Executed in a detailed manner, the work features intricate lines and textures. The palette predominantly consists of earthy tones (greens, browns) accented with vibrant hues (notably red and blue), contributing to a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
History & Provenance
Created in 1470, the painting's provenance prior to its acquisition by the Gemäldegalerie Berlin is not detailed in available information.
Context
The work reflects the religious art traditions of its time, emphasizing piety and tranquility, characteristic of late medieval European devotional art.
Legacy
Attributed to the Master of the Life of the Virgin, this painting represents the artist's contribution to the corpus of 15th-century religious art, though its specific impact or influence on subsequent art movements is not prominently documented.
Artist & collection
Artist
Master of the Life of the Virgin
This anonymous painter worked in the 1470s, specializing in small devotional panels that tell the story of Mary’s life.
The Visitation with a portrait of donor Johann von Hirtz (?-?)
The Life of Mary: Joachim meets Anna at the Golden Gate; in the background the Annunciation of the birth of Mary to Joachim by an angel (verso: upper half of the Crucifixion of Christ)
Maria mit dem Kind
The Life of Mary: the Assumption of Mary (verso: lower half of the Coronation of Mary)
The Engagement of Mary (verso: upper half of the Coronation of Mary)
The Life of Mary: the Annunciation (lower half of the Crucifixion of Christ)
Portrait of an unknown master builder
The life of Mary: the presentation of Mary in the temple
Virgin and Child with two angels
Virgin of the Rose Garden
Virgo inter Virgines
Madonna with Female Saint
The mystic marriage of Saint Catherine
Madonna and Child with Saints Catherine and Barbara
Triptych of the Virgin and Child with Saints
The Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine of Alexandria with Saints Dorothy, Margaret and Barbara
Virgin and Child with Saint Anne, Saint Gereon, and a Donor
Virgin and Child with Saint Margaret and Dorothy and angels playing music
Virgin and Child with Saint Anne and Saints Francis and Lidwina, with Donors (Anna Selbdritt)
The Virgin and Child with St Anne, donors and Sts Francis and Lidwina