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Bernaert van Orley, 'The Virgin and Child in a Landscape', about 1525

About the work

Overview

In this small panel, the Virgin Mary sits under a tree and offers her breast to the Christ Child, who grasps it with both hands but turns away to look out towards the viewer. Although this is not a specific image of the Rest on the Flight into Egypt – it lacks Joseph, the donkey and the luggage – it may well be inspired by earlier versions of that subject.

The geometric arrangement of the composition, with diagonals running from lower left to upper right and centring on the folds of drapery pulled in a line between the Virgin’s right foot and left knee, is typical of mature Bernaert van Orley. The landscape – which seems to have been painted first, with a space left for the figures – may be by an assistant who specialised in painting these and who worked on other paintings by van Orley.

Key facts

Details

Full title
The Virgin and Child in a Landscape
Artist dates
active 1515; died 1541
Date made
about 1525
Medium and support
oil on wood
Dimensions
35 × 27 cm
Acquisition credit
Presented by Queen Victoria at the Prince Consort's wish, 1863
Inventory number
NG714
Location
Not on display
Collection
Main Collection

About this record

If you know more about this painting or have spotted an error, please contact us. Please note that exhibition histories are listed from 2009 onwards. Bibliographies may not be complete; more comprehensive information is available in the National Gallery Library.

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