Artwork
Repentant Sinners in front of the Virgin and Child

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



















