Artwork
The Madonna of the Cherries
The Madonna of the Cherries is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Quinten Metsys. It dates from 1529 and is held in the collection of the J. Paul Getty Museum.
About this work
Overview
The Madonna of the Cherries is a 1529 oil painting by Quinten Metsys, a Flemish artist who began his career as an ironsmith. It is a representative work of the Early Netherlandish tradition and the Antwerp school of painting.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts the Madonna and Child seated in a decorative chair, surrounded by symbols of abundance and spirituality. The Madonna wears a white dress with a red skirt and green sash, while the Child is naked and held close to her face.
Technique & Style
The work showcases Metsys's skill with oil paint, featuring intricate details, rich textures, and a deep color palette. The composition includes a draped curtain, a window with a landscape view, and fruit on a table, demonstrating the artist's ability to balance complexity and serenity.
History & Provenance
The Madonna of the Cherries is now part of the J. Paul Getty Museum's collection, exemplifying the Northern Renaissance style that characterized 16th-century Flemish art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Quentin Matsys (UK: MAT-sysse, US: MAHT-sysse; also Massys or Metsys; Flemish: Quinten Matsijs ; 1466–1530) was a Flemish painter in the Early Netherlandish tradition.
