Artwork

Repentant Sinners in front of the Virgin and Child

Repentant Sinners in front of the Virgin and Child, by Pieter van Lint, oil, 1630
Repentant Sinners in front of the Virgin and Child, by Pieter van Lint, oil, 1630

Repentant Sinners in front of the Virgin and Child is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Pieter van Lint. It dates from 1630 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

About this work

Overview

Repentant Sinners in front of the Virgin and Child is a 1630 oil painting by Flemish Baroque artist Pieter van Lint, characterized by its emotive depiction of a religious scene.

Subject & Meaning

The painting portrays the Virgin Mary seated on a throne, cradling the Christ Child, who extends a hand to kneeling repentant sinners. The scene conveys themes of repentance and redemption through the sinners' emotional expressions and gestures of devotion.

Technique & Style

Van Lint employed chiaroscuro to create depth and volume, while impasto and glazing techniques added texture and luminosity, reflecting both his Antwerp training and Italian influences.

History & Provenance

Created in 1630, the work is now part of the collection at the State Hermitage Museum.

Context

As a Flemish Baroque piece, it reflects the artistic currents of 17th-century Antwerp, with the influence of Italian Baroque evident in its dramatic lighting and emotional intensity.

Legacy

The painting invites contemplation on repentance and redemption, offering a poignant example of early 17th-century religious art's capacity to evoke emotional response.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Pieter van Lint

Artist

Pieter van Lint

Pieter van Lint or Peter van Lint (1609–1690) was a Flemish painter, draughtsman and designer of tapestries.

Hermitage Museum

Museum

Hermitage Museum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Hermitage Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.