St. Luke drawing the Virgin (15th century) by Hugo Van der GoesMNAA National Museum of Ancient Art
There's something in common, between the painter Van der goes, and his subject, the saint on his knees. Look closer, and you'll understand.
The ox, an often used attribute, identifies him as St Luke, who, per tradition, drew the Virgin for the first time. The saint is also an artist.
Naturalism is a cornerstone of the Flemish tradition. A clear example is the strict realism of facial features...
...as well as the accuracy of his garments, the oil paint granting softenss and richness to the fabric.
The saint isn't surrounded by objects of his own time, but things of Van der Goes' period. It was common in the 15th century to set devotional scenes in a contemporary context.
The scene is full of objects relating to St Luke and Van der Goes' shared profession of painting. Like the charcoal, palette knife and quill on the floor. The artist lets us experience both the devotion of St Luke and enter into a painter's studio during the era of the great Flemish masters.
Zoom in and explore St Luke Drawing the Virgin for yourself here
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