The Virgin Supporting the Body of Christ

c. 1490/1500

Master F

Associated Names
Master F

Artist, Flemish, active 15th century

The image shows two individuals, one male and one female, most of their upper bodies visible. The male figure is in the foreground, leaning left with his head down and supported by the female figure. He has a bearded face, sunken eyes, a crown of thorns, long hair, and visible ribcage. The female figure stands slightly behind and to the right, with a sorrowful expression. She has wide eyes and a hood covering her head. Both are dressed in robes. Above them are two shields with intricate designs. The background is a plain wall with halos around the heads of each figure, suggesting a religious context.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Andrew W. Mellon Fund

  • Dimensions

    plate: 11.4 × 7.5 cm (4 1/2 × 2 15/16 in.)
    sheet: 11.7 × 8.4 cm (4 5/8 × 3 5/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1976.39.3

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Lehrs, Vol. 7, p.353, no. 1, State only

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Alexandre-Pierre-François Robert-Dumesnil [1778 - 1864], Paris [1]; D'Arenberg Collection, Brussels and Westphalia (Lugt 567); P. & D. Colnaghi & Co. Ltd, London; purchased by NGA, 1976.
[1] according to Colnaghi sale catalogue

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1976

  • Five Hundred Years of Fine Prints, P & D Colnaghi Co. Ltd, London, 1976, no. 14, repro.

1986

  • Graphic Survey Show, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., February 1986.

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.

Markings

verso, stamped in blue ink:C.H. Protector Meus, Collection Arenberg (Lugt 567)

Wikidata ID

Q65575009

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