Saint Ursula and Her Maidens

c. 1475/1480

Israhel van Meckenem

Associated Names
Israhel van Meckenem

Artist, German, c. 1445 - 1503

The image shows a central figure standing, surrounded by seated figures. The main person is standing upright, directly facing the viewer, and is crowned with an elaborate headdress with long hair. She wears a decorated gown, holds a staff in her right hand. Surrounding her are six seated figures, all wearing long dresses, engaged in various activities. Two angel figures are positioned in a kneeling posture near the upper part, holding draped fabrics that form an arch above the central figure. The background is a textured surface with linear details, contrasting with the detailed figures in the foreground.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.
Not on view See artworks now on view

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.150

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Lehrs, Vol. 9, p.326, no. 412, State iv/iv

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Count Ludwig Yorck von Wartenburg [1805-1865], Klein-Oels, Silésie (Lugt 2669); (sale 176, C.G. Boerner, Leipzig, 2 May 1932, no. 31); (Charles Stonehill, London); purchased by Lessing J. Rosenwald [1891-1979], 1938; gift to NGA, 1943.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1967

  • Fifteenth Century Engravings of Northern Europe from the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., NGA, 1967-1968, no. 182, repro.

1990

  • Eva/Ave: Woman in Renaissance and Baroque Prints, NGA, 1990, no. 60, repro.

Bibliography

1908

  • Lehrs, Max. Geschichte und kritischer Katalog des deutschen, niederlandischen und franzosischen Kupferstichs im XV. Jahrhundert. 9 vols. and 1 plate vol. Vienna: Gesellschaft fur vervielfaltigende Kunst, 1908-1934.

1949

  • Hollstein, F.W.H. et al. German engravings, etchings and woodcuts ca. 1400-1700. 8 vols. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberger, 1954-1868. Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700. Vols. I-XV, XVIII, XIX. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberge

1967

  • Shestack, Alan. Fifteenth Century Engravings of Northern Europe from the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.. Exh. cat. Washington: National Gallery of Art, 1967: no. 182.

1990

  • Russell 1990, no. 60.

Watermarks

shield with lily (close to Briquet 1653)

Wikidata ID

Q64958422

You may be interested in

Loading Results