The Crowned Virgin and Child as "The Apocalyptic Woman Clothed in the Sun"

The image derives from the Apocalypse of Saint John – a passage that reads, “And a great sign appeared in heaven: A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.” (Revelation 12:1 [Douay-Rheims]). As was common at the time in Northern Europe, the artist made reference to the Virgin Mary specific by including a representation of the Christ child. The composition is likely based on a contemporary print.