Virgin and Child with Four Angels by Gerard David, ca. 1510–15.
Virgin and Child with Four Angels · Gerard David · ca. 1510–15 · European Paintings
Virgin and Child with Four Angels by Gerard David, ca. 1510–15.
Virgin and Child with Four Angels by Gerard David, ca. 1510–15.
Virgin and Child with Four Angels by Gerard David, ca. 1510–15.

Virgin and Child with Four Angels

Gerard David

Year
ca. 1510–15
Medium
Oil on wood
Dimensions
24 7/8 x 15 3/8 in. (63.2 x 39.1 cm)
Collection
European Paintings
License
Public Domain

Gerard David’s ‘Virgin and Child with Four Angels’ was completed around 1510–15. The oil on wood painting measures 24 7/8 x 15 3/8 inches. It resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art as a gift from Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wrightsman in 1977.

Two angels crown the Virgin Mary as Queen of Heaven, while two others play music. The painting reflects the influence of Jan van Eyck’s work, notably with the modeled Madonna and child, but adds a view of Bruges in the background.

The painting bears the inscription ‘IHESVS [RE]DEMPT[OR]’ on its columns. This denotes ‘Jesus Redeemer.’ Such inscriptions were common in Netherlandish art of the period.

David’s painting is noted for its fine detail and lush color, hallmarks of late Flemish art. It humanizes the Virgin and child, depicting them as an affectionate mother and son rather than distant deities.

Gerard David was active in Bruges and Antwerp. He was possibly the ‘Meester gheraet van brugghe’ of the Antwerp guild in 1515 and may have operated two workshops.

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/436102

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