Artwork
Statue of Mary
Statue of Mary is an oil painting by Romain Looymans. It dates from 1899 and is held in the collection of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1899, this oil painting titled “Statue of Mary” is part of the collection of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp. The work presents a solitary female figure, traditionally identified as the Virgin Mary, rendered in a modest, contemplative pose that emphasizes quiet devotion.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure is clothed in a long, flowing robe and a simple headscarf, seated on the floor with her hands joined in prayer. The composition conveys an atmosphere of reverence, inviting viewers to contemplate themes of piety and spiritual humility associated with Marian iconography.
Technique & Style
Looymans employs oil paint to achieve a richly textured surface, allowing subtle variations of tone to model the figure’s drapery and flesh. The muted, earthy background recedes, enhancing the three‑dimensional presence of the subject and reinforcing the painting’s subdued, meditative mood.
History & Provenance
The painting was produced at the close of the nineteenth century, a period when religious subjects remained popular in Belgian art. It entered the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp’s holdings, where it has been displayed as part of the museum’s representation of late‑19th‑century devotional works.
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Artist & collection
