Artwork
Mary
Mary is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Pieter Claeissens the Elder. It dates from 1535 and is held in the collection of the Groeningemuseum.
About this work
Overview
Mary is a 1535 oil painting by Pieter Claeissens the Elder, a Flemish artist from Bruges. The work is part of the Groeningemuseum's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a serene woman, identified as Mary, with her head covered by a white cloth, set against a black background with gold lines radiating from behind her.
Technique & Style
The portrait showcases Claeissens' realistic style, with subtle shading and texture on the subject's face. The use of chiaroscuro and detailed rendering of the white cloth's folds are characteristic of Northern Renaissance art.
History & Provenance
Claeissens was the first notable artist in a family of Bruges painters, and this work is a product of his early career, dated to 1535.
Artist & collection
Artist
Pieter Claeissens the Elder or Pieter Claeissens (I) (1500–1576) was a Flemish painter of history paintings, portraits and allegorical scenes. He was the first prominent artist in an extended family of artists from Bruges.
Die thronende Maria mit dem Kind und den Heiligen Jacobus d.Ä. und Jacobus d.J.
Allegory of the 1577 Peace in the Low Countries
Crucified Christ with Mary, John and Mary Magdalene
Portrait of a Woman
Saints Bavo, James the Great and Willibrord
Map of the Liberty of Bruges
The Annunciation
Saint Antony, Abbot Antonius Wydoot and the Lactation of of Saint Bernard
