Virgin and Child

For centuries, it was unusual for artists to sign their works. This was the case in Flanders in the early 16th century, making it very difficult for researchers to identify the artists. This painting is just such an example, and was attributed to the so-called "Master with the Parrot." It depicts the Virgin tenderly holding the Baby Jesus, who is sleeping peacefully against her breast. In the background is Joseph, depicted as an old man, as was traditional at that time. In the foreground is a still life composed of symbolic elements: grapes, associated with wine, the blood of Christ, and the Eucharist; and an apple, a symbol of sin. These elements explain the air of consternation in the familiar scene. This composition must have been fairly popular, since we know that there is another version, without the fruit and Saint Joseph, in the Kunstmuseum in Basel.