Saint Mary Cleophas and Her Family

Executed in oil on panel, Saint Mary Cleophas and Her Family displays characteristics of the Northern Renaissance. Strigel's approach combines detailed observation with a formal presentation, evident in the figures' attire and the patterned background. The use of oil allowed for rich color and intricate detail, typical of the period's artistic output. As a member of the Swabian school, Strigel contributed to the regional style that emphasized both spiritual devotion and realistic depiction.

Bernhard Strigel, born in Memmingen, Germany, is believed to have received his artistic training from Bartholomäus Zeitblom. His career flourished under the patronage of Emperor Maximilian I, for whom he completed commissions in significant imperial cities such as Augsburg, Innsbruck, and Vienna. This royal favor underscores Strigel's prominence as a painter during the early 16th century, reflecting the era's demand for artists capable of both religious and courtly works.