Virgin and Child with Two Angels

Artist Master of the Legend of Saint Ursula Legend (German, active about 1485–about 1515)

Dateabout 1485 - 1490

Mediumoil on panel

Dimensionspanel: 51.9 x 32.4 cm (20 7/16 x 12 3/4 in.)

ClassificationsPaintings

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Terms

wood

Object number1936.6

Label TextFrom surviving works, critics have been able to identify the personal style of the otherwise anonymous artist who was responsible for this painting. He is called the Master of the Ursula Legend after one of his principal works, which is still in the Convent of the Black Sisters in Bruges. He was an eclectic painter, strongly influenced by Rogier van der Weyden and Dirk Bouts. His delicate technique and meticulous handling of details also reflects knowledge of the earlier miniaturists. He seems to have been active principally at Bruges. The composition of this painting is derived from a lost panel by Rogier van der Weyden. It shows the Madonna Lucians, or nursing Madonna, but combines the rather humble concept with the Queen of Heaven role by the inclusion of the angels and crown. This formula became very popular in Bruges in the last quarter of the fifteenth century. The facial types, the manner of painting eyes and hands, and the color choice all serve to identify the artist.The panel is of high quality compared to his other works, and probably dates ca. 1480-90.ProvenanceAugusto Yandolo (Jandolo) (1873-1952), Rome; Baron Michele Lazzaroni (1863-1934), Paris; Mme. Brousse (sale Brussels, Galerie Fievez, June 25–26, 1924, no. 31, as "École flamande XVe siècle"), unknown-1924; Gaston Neumann, Brussels, 1924-1925; sold to Roland F. Knoedler (1856-1932), M. Knoedler & Co., Inc., New York, 28 May 1925; sold to the Worcester Art Museum, 1936.

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