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An Augustinian Friar (?) Praying
Gerard Davidabout 1515
The National Gallery, London
London, United Kingdom
Presumably the right wing of a diptych or triptych; the missing side, which would originally have been hinged to it, probably depicted the Virgin and Child.
The subject appears to be an Augustinian friar. The background shows Bruges, where David worked.
This picture was presented by Queen Victoria at the Prince Regent's wish, 1863.
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Details
- Title: An Augustinian Friar (?) Praying
- Creator: Gerard David
- Date Created: about 1515
- Physical Dimensions: 34.2 x 26.8 cm
- Type: Painting
- Medium: Oil on oak
- School: Netherlandish
- More Info: Explore the National Gallery’s paintings online
- Inventory number: NG710
- Artist Dates: active 1484; died 1523
- Artist Biography: Gerard David was the last great 15th-century painter from Bruges working within the tradition of realism founded by van Eyck. A subtle colourist, he succeeds in creating atmosphere through his evocative landscapes. David's work suffered critical neglect for a long time, but is now highly regarded for its technical skill and gentle mysticism. He is thought to have come from Oudewater where he was probably trained by his artist father. The influence of Rogier van der Weyden is discernible in his work. He entered the painters' guild in Bruges in 1484 and was mainly active there, becoming the leading painter after the death of Memling ten years later. He shared with the other artists from Bruges a concern for precise characterisation and the depiction of the minute details of objects. This makes his pictures rewarding to examine closely.
- Acquisition Credit: Presented by Queen Victoria at the Prince Consort's wish, 1863
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