Image scanned and color-corrected by Pat Cagney.

Holy Virgin and Child, Elizabeth and Saint John

Artist Jan van Amstel (Dutch, 1500 - 1542)

ArtistFollower of Ambrosius Benson (South Netherlandish, circa 1495 - before 1550)

DateMid-16th century

MediumOil on panel

DimensionsOverall, Frame: 37 x 30 x 2 1/2 in. (94 x 76.2 x 6.4 cm)

ClassificationsEuropean art

Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.

Object number71.2226

Terms

Religion
Virgin Mary
baby jesus
St. John
Elizabeth
Blue
Gray
Black
Red
Gold
White
Brown

Collections

European Art before 1945

On View

Not on view

DescriptionThis is an oil on panel painting. In the foreground is a grouping of four figures: the Virgin Mary, Elizabeth, a young John the Baptist, and Baby Jesus. Elizabeth wears a blue/gray cloth and her head is wrapped in a headdress. Her arm rests on Mary's shoulder. Mary wears a deep blue color and is draped in red fabric with a gold cord around her waist. Her hands are folded as if in prayer. The Baby Jesus in Mary's lap: he holds his right hand raised at John the Baptist, index finger and middle finger pointing toward him. John the Baptist kneels before the Child. He hold a cross and wears a brown tunic. This scene is in the woods. Small white flowers are clustered around the subject.