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Followers of Gerard David, 'Saint Paul and a Donatrix', probably about 1515

About the work

Overview

A well-dressed woman, hands folded in prayer, kneels in what was once the right wing of a triptych (a painting in three parts). Behind her is Saint Paul. The other wing, also in the National Gallery’s collection, shows her husband kneeling with Saint Peter. The central panel is missing, but it was presumably a scene from sacred history. We don't know who the two donors were, but they were clearly wealthy people.

On the back, visible when the altarpiece was closed, is Saint Nicholas of Myra, painted in grisaille (shades of black, white and grey) to look like a stone statue in a niche. The paintings on these wings were the work of several artists influenced by Gerard David, probably working in one of the larger Bruges workshops in around 1515.

Key facts

Details

Full title
Saint Paul and a Donatrix
Artist
Followers of Gerard David
Artist dates
active 1484; died 1523
Part of the series
Two Shutters from a Triptych
Date made
probably about 1515
Medium and support
oil on wood
Dimensions
81.2 × 26.4 cm
Acquisition credit
Bought, 1860
Inventory number
NG657.2
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.

Images

About the series: Two Shutters from a Triptych

Followers of Gerard David, 'Saint Peter and a Donor', probably about 1515

Overview

These paintings of a male and a female donor, probably husband and wife, once formed the wings of a triptych (a painting made up of three parts). They kneel in front of their patron saints, Peter and Paul.

We don't know who the couple were, but their clothing was fashionable in around 1515 and they were evidently wealthy: the woman has an expensive rosary of red and yellow beads, and a long train. She shows off large areas of costly furs in an open display of wealth.

The paintings seem to be the work of three artists, the most competent of whom drew and painted the donor. A second did the patron saints; the same artist, working quickly, or else a third, less talented, did the outside of the wings. All three were much influenced by Gerard David and were probably working in one of the larger Bruges workshops.

Works in the series

Followers of Gerard David
A man kneels in prayer, his patron saint, Peter – identifiable by the key he holds – standing behind him. This panel was once the left wing of a triptych (a painting in three parts); the right wing, which shows his wife, is also in the National Gallery’s collection. These figures and the missing...
Not on display
Followers of Gerard David
A well-dressed woman, hands folded in prayer, kneels in what was once the right wing of a triptych (a painting in three parts). Behind her is Saint Paul. The other wing, also in the National Gallery’s collection, shows her husband kneeling with Saint Peter. The central panel is missing, but it wa...
Not on display