"Perle von Brabant": Hl. Christophorus Außenseite: Hl. Barbara,

um 1465

Material / Technology / Carrier

Eichenholz

Dimensions of the object

62,6 x 28,1 cm

Displayed

AP OG Saal I

Department

Altniederländische Malerei

Genre

Malerei

Inventory number

WAF 78

Acquisition

1827 aus der Sammlung Boisserée

Stock

Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen - Alte Pinakothek München

Citation

Dieric Bouts d. Ä., "Perle von Brabant": Hl. Christophorus Außenseite: Hl. Barbara, um 1465, Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen - Alte Pinakothek München, URL: https://www.sammlung.pinakothek.de/en/artwork/Qm45RXjxNo (Last updated on 13.02.2023)

The name ‘Pearl of Brabant’ is used to describe the overall effect and atmospheric treatment of light in this small altarpiece. Numerous symbols and references to legends about the chastity of the Virgin Mary are depicted in the central panel. The left wing shows John the Baptist pointing to the Lamb of God (John 1:29) in broad daylight; on the right, at sunset, is the giant, St Christopher, who found “the greatest king” (Legenda aurea) in the form of the child on his shoulder. The attribution to Dieric Bouts the Elder is disputed.