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Tag Archives: old masters

Explore the Collection

Old Master paintings can be overwhelming sometimes with their detailed beauty, serious palette, and historical roots. But they don’t have to be, which is why M&G created the EXPLORE pages—a diversion on our website to unfold some of the mystery and meaning in the art of the past. Watch, listen, read, and color your way through the world of Old Masters!

Click on the links below to investigate for yourself:

 

Collection on View
M&G Objects on Loan
Scavenger Hunts
A Closer Look
History in Pictures
M&G Coloring Pages
Think on These Things
Watch This!
ArtBreak: Past Series
M&G Kids
Object of the Month: April 2025
The Collection

Collection on View

View Works from the Museum & Gallery Collection

While the Museum & Gallery is closed to the public and unable to offer public viewing hours, we continue removing the collection in preparation for moving to a new building and new location. Meanwhile, you can still see selected paintings and objects on display in these campus locations:

 

Gustafson Fine Arts Center: Atrium

Public Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 AM-5 PM or by tour request

Who Needs Shakespeare?

In a world of Broadway, YouTube, and Netflix who needs Shakespeare? The simple answer, of course, is we do! Simplicity aside, however, there is no writer past or present whose plots and characters more powerfully illuminate the human condition. Political intrigue, treachery, hypocrisy, selfless heroism, nobility, and beauty—are all poignantly framed and astonishingly “contemporary” (ripped from the headlines of a 24-hour news cycle). We need Shakespeare because in a culture numbed by constant distractions and irrelevant “noise,” he reminds us of our place in the world and our potential for good—or evil.

 

Tour the Shakespeare Exhibition

Join M&G’s Director of Education, Donnalynn Hess for a FREE guided tour through M&G’s focus exhibition, Who Needs Shakespeare? on Thursday, June 26 at 3:30PM. You’ll discover insights into Shakespeare’s plots and characters through clever symbolism in paintings and engravings. Register to attend. Space is limited and for guests 7th grade and older only.

Register HERE.

 

War Memorial Chapel

Open only by appointment or tour request

The Benjamin West Collection

The seven, monumental paintings that hang in the War Memorial Chapel constitute the largest assemblage today of works from the Progress of Revealed Religion series commissioned by King George III to be painted by Benjamin West, the father of American painting.

 

Mack Library

Public Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 AM-5 PM

View several Medieval and Renaissance objects from M&G’s collection, including a 16th-century Antiphonary, a 15th-century keepsake box made of bone, and more!

Homeschool Days: 2024-2025

Artists in Focus

Join us for a monthly exploration of art and time from the 1600s through the 1800s! Students (ages 5-14) will closely study the lives of artists and the significant events influencing them and their choice of art medium. Each 75-minute lesson is interactive and includes a related art activity. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to view the world through various artistic styles.

Parent attendance is optional. Review our FAQs, which cover arrival and even co-op questions.

Registration: Accepting registrants for Spring sessions HERE.

Location: Mack Building (on the campus of Bob Jones University)

Fees per Lesson: Children–$9; adults–$3

Event fees are non-refundable. Adults may choose either to attend with their child(ren) or leave after student check-in for the 75-minute lesson.

 

To further your learning at home, use these M&G activity sheets.

Elementary School Lessons (K5-5th grade)

Thursday at 9:30AM and 2PM

Friday at 9:30AM, Noon, and 2PM

Middle School Lessons (6th-8th grade)

Friday at 9:30AM, Noon, and 2PM

 

Spring Topics:

February 6-7

Claude Monet, Chief Impressionist

March 13-14

Berthe Morisot, Admired Artist

April 3-4

Vincent Van Gogh, Impasto Pioneer

M&G Objects on Loan

Every year M&G loans works from its collection to participate in various exhibitions around the world. Peruse the list below and consider visiting the exhibitions to learn more about the world of Old Masters and the museum field. Plus, you can view portions of M&G’s collection on campus here.

 

Madonna of the Lake Marco d’Oggiono

North Carolina Museum of Art

October 8, 2022 – August 1, 2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Esther Accusing Haman Jan Victors

The Jewish Museum

March 7, 2025 – August 10, 2025

North Carolina Museum of Art

September 20, 2025 – March 8, 2026

 

 

Merry Christmas from M&G!

 

You can enjoy other Christmas-themed works in M&G’s collection here.

Object of the Month: April 2025

Descent from the Cross

Polychrome and giltwood, c. 1570

Unknown Spanish, 16th century

Renaissance artists employed various media and techniques to communicate their subject matter with power and beauty. This mid- to late-16th-century giltwood and polychrome relief by an unnamed artist (likely Spanish) demonstrates both artistic mastery and devotional power. It was once part of a larger altarpiece yet communicates clearly on its own.

A relief sculpture is normally attached to a background of the same material, and the degree of projection from that surface determines the terms used. Low relief, or bas-relief, project only a little. High relief denotes significant freedom from the background and can look like the figures are about to burst free from their surrounds. Finally, in sunken relief (or intaglio), subjects are carved below the level of their surroundings.

Gilding, the decorative technique of applying a thin layer of gold on a solid surface, dates back to Egypt. Herodotus mentions the Egyptians’ skill in gilding wood and metal, and many examples of their work remain to this day. The Sumerians (with objects dating back to 2600-2400 B.C.), Ancient Chinese, Old Testament Israelites, Ancient Greeks and Romans also utilized very thin sheets of hammered gold to overlay important objects of wood, stone and metal.

To produce fine furniture or sculpture, artists first carved plain woods like pine, beech or limewood. They then

added numerous layers of gesso (a type of plaster made by mixing fine chalk or gypsum with animal glue and water). Initial applications of the gesso filled imperfections in the wood, and subsequent layers built up a smooth surface that could be carved with greater detail than wood and rendered a top layer that could be gilt, painted, or otherwise decorated. The depth and crispness of this final surface indicates the craftsman’s skill.

The quality of M&G’s relief sculpture shows gilding expertise, but its polychromy adds to its power.  Polychrome (literally, “many colored”)—pigmented wood, stone or terracotta—also dates to Egypt and the process refined over time. Over the millennia artists employed a wide range of pigments, painting media, and surface applications to embellish their work, and specialization occurred.

In Spain, the production of religious sculptures was governed by designated guilds. The Guild of Carpenters carved the wood and gesso, and the Guild of Painters was responsible for all decoration. Specific terminology came to describe specific skills. After the pieces were carved, painters used flesh tones for hands, faces, and feet (a process called Encarnacion). Estofado, which means “quilted silk,” was the skill of simulating rich fabrics through the layering of gold or silver leaf.

M&G’s sculpture demonstrates mastery of all these skills in an emotionally intense representation of Jesus’ followers lowering Him from the cross. Christ is the central figure—emphasized both by His placement on a diagonal in the center and by the fact that He is the only figure painted entirely in flesh tones. Around Him gather His mother, Mary (on the right), Mary Magdalene (immediate left, her hair cascading over her shoulder), Mary’s sister, and Mary the wife of Clopas. Behind Jesus, the Apostle John (at Christ’s right shoulder) and Nicodemus (left shoulder) bear the weight of His body. To the far right, two men pry open a sarcophagus.  On the far left, stands Joseph of Arimathea, who had asked Pilate for Jesus’ body and donated both his new grave and linen to wrap Christ’s body. His headwear denotes Joseph’s status as a member of the Sanhedrin, and the striped pattern etched on its gilding matches that on the long swath of linen he is showing to the two women beside him. Taut carving of the trees, leaves, and clothing bring the scene to life and gilt patterns play across the various fabrics, the tomb, and the background plants and clouds. All of these techniques coalesce to convey the grief and dedication of Christ’s followers.

At the devotional center, as in history, is Jesus Christ—His redemptive work done, His burial imminent, and His victory over death yet to come.

 

Dr. Stephen B. Jones, M&G Volunteer

 

Bibliography

Metmuseum.org

Nationalgallery.org.uk

Hall’s Dictionary of Subjects and Symbols in Art, James Hall

Understanding Paintings: Themes in Art Explored and Explained, Alexander Sturgis and Hollis Clayson

 

 

Published 2025

Easter-themed Works of Art in M&G’s Collection

Enjoy this focused selection of short video clips featuring M&G paintings depicting the Easter story.

Constantijn van Renesse (attr. to): Christ before Pilate
Picture Books of the Past: Unknown Dutch
Picture Books of the Past: Gustave Doré
Christ before Pilate: Master of St. Severin
The Risen Christ: Gerard David
Whatsoever Things Are… Pure: Christ Blessing
Whatsoever Things Are… Pure: The Risen Christ
Whatsoever Things Are… Just: Painted Crucifix
Whatsoever Things Are… Just: The Man of Sorrows
Whatsoever Things Are… Just: The Last Supper
Whatsoever Things Are… Just: Triumphal Entry
David de Haen: The Mocking of Christ
Giovanni Antonio Bazzi: Procession to Calvary
Jusepe de Ribera: Ecce Homo
Peter Paul Rubens: Christ on the Cross
Stefano Cernotto (attr. to): The Last Supper
Philippe de Champaigne: The Christ of Derision
The Easter Story: Two Centurions

 

 

If you enjoyed these objects from M&G’s collection, visit here to see more!

M&G Collections Online

As we continue to make more works available online, survey some of the paintings and objects in M&G’s collection. Click on the images below to enjoy videos, articles, and audio stops.

 

The Brothers of Joseph: Francisco Collantes
William Hogarth
Object of the Month: April 2025
St. John the Evangelist: Master of Cueza
Object of the Month: March 2025
Bonifazio Veronese
Object of the Month: February 2025
Old Testament Characters: Pietro Negroni, called Il Giovane Zingaro
Bringing the Ark to Jerusalem
Preparing to Depart for Canaan: Leandro Bassano, called Leandro da Ponte
Esau and Jacob Presented to Isaac
Object of the Month: January 2025
Bethlehem Manger
The Annunciation: Pieter Fransz. de Grebber
Object of the Month: December 2024
Christ and the Samaritan Woman
Rest on the Flight into Egypt: Bartolommeo Guidobono
Object of the Month: November 2024
The Dream of St. Peter: Roelandt Savery
Object of the Month: October 2024
The Coronation of the Virgin
Object of the Month: September 2024
Madonna and Child with Saints: Giacomo or Giulio Francia
St. Anthony of Padua: Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, called Il Guercino
Object of the Month: August 2024
Christ Coming Up Out of the Jordan: Benjamin West, P.R.A.
The Princes St. Basil and St. Constantine of Yaroslavl
Object of the Month: July 2024
The Last Judgment: Placido Costanzi
Object of the Month: June 2024
Salome with the Head of St. John the Baptist
Moses and Aaron before Pharaoh: Benjamin West, P.R.A.
Pietro Martire Neri: St. Jerome
The Young Christ
Object of the Month: May 2024
Object of the Month: April 2024
Picture Books of the Past: The Tribulation of Job
Mrs. Siddons as Lady Macbeth
Object of the Month: March 2024
Clay Tablet
Constantijn van Renesse (attr. to): Christ before Pilate
Object of the Month: February 2024
Bronze Pitcher
Object of the Month: January 2024
The Presentation of Christ in the Temple
Antiphonary
Object of the Month: December
Object of the Month: November 2023
Picture Books of the Past: Jacopo Robusti, called Il Tintoretto
Object of the Month: October 2023
Picture Books of the Past: Marietta Robusti
Carved Walnut Relief
Object of the Month: September 2023
Picture Books of the Past: Unknown Dutch
Jacopo de Carolis
Object of the Month: August 2023
Picture Books of the Past: Jusepe de Ribera, called Lo Spagnoletto
Rafael Govertsz. Camphuysen
Object of the Month: July 2023
Domenico Fiasella
Picture Books of the Past: Lorenzo di Bicci
Object of the Month: June 2023
Picture Books of the Past: Mattia Preti
St. Michael the Archangel Overcoming Satan
Object of the Month: May 2023
Picture Books of the Past: Bartolommeo Neroni
Holy Kinship
Picture Books of the Past: Gustave Doré
The Entry into Jerusalem
Object of the Month: April 2023
Object of the Month: March 2023
Christ before Pilate: Master of St. Severin
Giuseppe Bessi
Object of the Month: February 2023
Psuedo Pier Francesco Fiorentino
Picture Books of the Past: Master of Staffolo
Object of the Month: January 2023
Picture Books of the Past: Edwin Long
Object of the Month: December 2022
Picture Books of the Past: Pieter Fransz. de Grebber
Juan Sanchez, the Younger
Object of the Month: November 2022
Picture Books of the Past: Lorenzo di Niccolo di Martino
Denys Calvaert, called Dionisio Fiammingo
Object of the Month: October 2022
Picture Books of the Past: Unknown Follower of Paolo Caliari, called Paolo Veronese
Mario Balassi
Object of the Month: September 2022
Hebrew Demi Omer
Picture Books of the Past: Antonio del Castillo y Saavedra
Object of the Month: August 2022
Picture Books of the Past: Carlo Dolci
Cornelis Cornelisz. van Haarlem
Allegory on the Fall and Redemption of Man: Lucas Cranach, the Younger
Object of the Month: July 2022
Object of the Month: June 2022
Sébastien Bourdon
Madonna and Child with Saints: Niccolò di Pietro Gerini
Object of the Month: May 2022
Giovanni Coli and Filippo Gherardi
Object of the Month: April 2022
Whatsoever Things Are… Worthy of Praise: God the Father
Whatsoever Things Are… Worthy of Praise: King David Playing the Harp
Whatsoever Things Are… Excellent: Isaiah’s Lips Anointed with Fire
Whatsoever Things Are… Excellent: Mary Magdalene Turning from the World to Christ
Whatsoever Things Are… Commendable: The Tribulation of Job
Whatsoever Things Are… Commendable: Christ and the Roman Centurion
Whatsoever Things Are… Lovely: Christ Healing the Blind Man
Whatsoever Things Are… Lovely: The Heavenly Shepherd
Whatsoever Things Are… Pure: Christ Blessing
Whatsoever Things Are… Pure: The Risen Christ
Whatsoever Things Are… Just: Painted Crucifix
Whatsoever Things Are… Just: The Man of Sorrows
Whatsoever Things Are… Just: The Last Supper
Whatsoever Things Are… Just: Triumphal Entry
Whatsoever Things Are… Just: St. Michael the Archangel and St. Agnes
Whatsoever Things Are… Honorable: The Good Samaritan
Whatsoever Things Are… Honorable: Ananias Restores Sight to Saul
Whatsoever Things Are… True: Christ and the Samaritan Woman
Whatsoever Things Are… True: St. Paul
Antonio Checchi (called Guidaccio da Imola): The Coronation of the Virgin
Procession to Calvary
Object of the Month: March 2022
Jacopo Robusti (called Il Tintoretto): The Visit of the Queen of Sheba to Solomon
Torah Scroll
Object of the Month: February 2022
Rembrandt van Rijn (school of): Head of Christ
Gerrit van Honthorst
David de Haen: The Mocking of Christ
Object of the Month: January 2022
Scenes from the Life of Christ
Object of the Month: December 2021
Jan Boeckhorst: Adoration of the Magi
St. Nicholas, the Wonderworker
Object of the Month: November 2021
Jan Victors: Esther Accusing Haman
Eyre Crowe: Wittenberg, October 31, 1517
Object of the Month: October 2021
Reliquary Head of a Monk
Francesco Fracanzano: The Tribulation of Job
Object of the Month: September 2021
Object of the Month: August 2021
Giovanni Antonio Bazzi: Procession to Calvary
Object of the Month: July 2021
Ginevra Cantofoli
Michail Nicholaievich Molodeshin
Pompeo Batoni
Domenico Fiasella: The Flight into Egypt
Object of the Month: June 2021
William Hamilton, R.A.
French Stained Glass: The Fountain of Life
Object of the Month: May 2021
Christ the Redeemer: Paris Bordone
Jan Gossaert, called Mabuse (attr. to)
Object of the Month: April 2021
Madonna and Child: Master of the Greenville Tondo
Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn (school of)
Object of the Month: March 2021
John the Baptist: Polychromed Sculpture
Louis XVI Musical Mantel Clock
Object of the Month: February 2021
Gaspar de Crayer: St. Augustine & St. Ambrose
Peter Paul Rubens (follower of)
Edwin Long: Vashti Refuses the King’s Summons
Object of the Month: January 2021
Jacopo Robusti, called Il Tintoretto
Louis Comfort Tiffany: Inspiration
Object of the Month: December 2020
Two Angels with Banner
Govaert Flinck: Solomon’s Prayer for Wisdom
Object of the Month: November 2020
Domenico Zampieri, called Il Domenichino
Simon Vouet: Salome with the Head of John the Baptist
Object of the Month: October 2020
Object of the Month: September 2020
Francesco Granacci: Rest on the Flight into Egypt
Bartolomé Esteban Murillo
Object of the Month: August 2020
Frederic James Shields: The Pre-Raphaelites
Alessandro di Mariano Filipepi, called Sandro Botticelli (and studio): Madonna and Child with an Angel
Louis Comfort Tiffany
Jusepe de Ribera: Ecce Homo
Gustave Doré: Christ Leaving the Praetorium
Girolamo Della Robbia: Terracotta Busts
Mattia Preti: Christ Seats the Child in the Midst of the Disciples
Peter Paul Rubens: Christ on the Cross
Cassone: Renaissance Marriage Chest
Francesco de Rosa: The Martyrdom of St. Lawrence
Guido Reni: The Four Evangelists
Geritt van Honthorst: The Holy Family in the Carpenter Shop
Francois de Troy: Christ and the Samaritan Woman
Francesco Cavazzoni: Legend of the Finding of the True Cross
Giovanni Filippo Criscuolo (attr. to): The Last Judgment
Stefano Cernotto (attr. to): The Last Supper
Salvator Rosa: Landscape with the Baptism of Christ
Domenico Zampieri: St. John the Evangelist
Jaun de Flandes: St. Augustine and St.Roch
Jan Hermansz. van Bijlert: Mary Magdalene Turning from the World to Christ
Anthony van Dyck: Mother of Sorrows (Mater Dolorosa)
Jan Swart van Groningen: Nativity Triptych
Jan Gossaert: The Madonna of the Fireplace
Northern Mannerism: The Martyrdom of Peter
Marietta Robusti: Allegory of Wisdom
Philippe de Champaigne: The Christ of Derision
Antonio del Castillo y Saavedra: St. John the Baptist in the Wilderness
Benjamin West, P.R.A.
Object of the Month: July 2020
Carlo Francesco Nuvolone
Object of the Month: June 2020
Carlo Dolci
Object of the Month: May 2020
Object of the Month: April 2020
Vasiliy Fedotovich Il’in
Object of the Month: March 2020
Edwin Long, R. A.
Object of the Month: February 2020
Hezekiah Tapestry Series
Object of the Month: January 2020
Master of the Borghese Tondo
Object of the Month: December 2019
John Koch
Object of the Month: November 2019
Bone Casket
Object of the Month: October 2019
Rutilio di Lorenzo Manetti
Object of the Month: September 2019
Richard Houston (engraver)
Object of the Month: August 2019
Object of the Month: July 2019
Salvator Rosa
Object of the Month: June 2019
Pietro Novelli
Object of the Month: May 2019
Johann Friedrich Overbeck
Benjamin West, P. R. A.
Object of the Month: March 2019
Gaspar de Crayer
Object of the Month: February 2019
Lucas Cranach, the Younger
Object of the Month: January 2019
Object of the Month: December 2018
Frans Francken, the Younger
Object of the Month: November 2018
Object of the Month: October 2018
Eyre Crowe
Gustave Doré
Object of the Month: September 2018
Niccolò di Pietro Gerini
Object of the Month: August 2018
Object of the Month: July 2018
Edward Matthew Ward, R.A.
Object of the Month: June 2018
Object of the Month: May 2018
Object of the Month: April 2018
Object of the Month: March 2018
Object of the Month: February 2018
Object of the Month: January 2018
Object of the Month: December 2017
Object of the Month: November 2017
Object of the Month: October 2017
Object of the Month: September 2017
Object of the Month: August 2017
Object of the Month: July 2017
Object of the Month: June 2017
Object of the Month: May 2017
Object of the Month: April 2017
Object of the Month: March 2017
Object of the Month: February 2017
Object of the Month: January 2017
Object of the Month: December 2016
Object of the Month: November 2016
Object of the Month: October 2016
Object of the Month: August 2016
Object of the Month: July 2016
Object of the Month: June 2016
Object of the Month: May 2016
Object of the Month: April 2016
Object of the Month: February 2016
Object of the Month: January 2016
Object of the Month: December 2015
Object of the Month: November 2015
Object of the Month: October 2015
Object of the Month: September 2015
Object of the Month: August 2015
Object of the Month: July 2015
Object of the Month: June 2015
Object of the Month: May 2015
Object of the Month: April 2015
Object of the Month: March 2015
Object of the Month: February 2015
Object of the Month: December 2014
Object of the Month: November 2014
Object of the Month: October 2014
Object of the Month: September 2014
Object of the Month: August 2014
Object of the Month: June 2014
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Object of the Month: December 2013
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Object of the Month: February 2013

Object of the Month: August 2023

St. Margaret, St. Ursula, and St. Agnus

Oil on panel

Unknown Rhenish School

Rhenish, active c. 1500

In last month’s article on the companion panel by this Rhenish Master, we discovered that context reveals a wealth of information. We also learned that although there are common symbols in Christian iconography, most saints have one or more distinct attributes that alert us to their identity. Such clues are particularly important when seeking to determine saints with common names like Catherine—or Margaret.

There are two Margaret’s mentioned in traditional hagiographies: St. Margaret of Antioch and St. Margaret of Scotland. The far-left figure in this panel is most likely St. Margaret of Scotland. How do we know? According to legend, Margaret of Antioch was a young beauty who endured several harrowing ordeals before being martyred, including being swallowed by a dragon. The absence of this mythical beast, which became Margaret of Antioch’s distinguishing attribute, provides the first clue. In addition, there are no accompanying symbols indicating that the figure in this panel was martyred (e.g., no laurel wreath, sword, etc.). This elegantly posed Margaret simply points to the cross she holds. The cross is, of course, a universal symbol of Christianity but it is also an integral part of Margaret of Scotland’s life and legacy.

A relative of Edward the confessor, Margaret and her brother were forced to flee England when William the Conqueror invaded the realm. They took refuge in Scotland at the court of King Malcolm Canmore where Margaret “as beautiful as she was good and accomplished” soon captured the heart the king. The two were married in 1070. Alban Butler notes, “This marriage was fraught with great blessing for Malcolm and for Scotland. He was rough and uncultured but his disposition was good, and Margaret through the great influence she acquired over him, softened his temper, polished his manners, and rendered him one of the most virtuous kings who ever occupied the Scottish throne. . . . What she did for her husband Margaret also did in a great measure for her adopted country” (Butler, p. 182). She encouraged (and in some cases spearheaded) much needed reforms in the arts, education, and religion. She would die just four days after her husband, who had been slain while trying to stave off an attack on their castle. In addition to a cross, Margaret is often shown wearing her crown as in the stained-glass panel to the right from the Royal Collection Trust. (For a more detailed overview of Margaret’s life and times see David McRoberts historical essay, “St. Margaret Queen of Scotland.”)

Unlike Margaret of Scotland, there is considerable doubt regarding the historicity of the center figure St. Ursula. According to legend Ursula was the daughter of a Christian monarch who caught the eye of a pagan king. Upon his proposal Ursula asked (and was granted) a three-year delay. During this time of reprieve, she sailed off to visit the shrines of the saints. Accompanying her on the journey were ten noble ladies-in-waiting and several thousand companions of “lower birth.” At the end of the grace period, this formidable entourage turned toward home. However, a storm-tossed sea drove them off course forcing them to disembark at Cologne. While awaiting favorable winds, they crossed the Alps to visit the tombs of the apostles in Rome. Unfortunately when the sojourners returned to Cologne, they found the city besieged by the Huns—whose chieftain demanded that Ursula become his wife. When she refused, she and her fellow travelers “were set upon and massacred for their Christianity by the heathen Huns. Then the barbarians were dispersed by angels, the citizens buried the martyrs, and a church was built in their honor” (Butler, 130).

In this panel, Ursula is pictured holding a heart pierced with the three arrows the Chieftain supposedly used to kill her. In addition to this distinguishing attribute Ursula is also sometimes painted surrounded by her martyred entourage. The painting to the left by Vittore Carpaccio is a good illustration. Carpaccio’s rendering of Ursula is part of a famous cycle in the Gallerie dell’ Accademia in Venice—which is currently undergoing restoration. The cycle consists of nine paintings from Ursula’s life. You can read more about the history and preservation of this impressive undertaking at Save Venice: Conserving Art, Celebrating History.

The third figure, St. Agnes, has always been extremely popular in the lexicon of saints. According to the eminent church father Augustine, she was just thirteen when martyred. Her death likely occurred in Rome at the outset of Diocletian’s persecution which began in March of 303 AD. Though just a girl, “her riches and beauty excited the young noblemen of the first families in Rome to contend as rivals for her hand” (Butler, p. 96). But Agnes had resolved not to marry and when her suitors failed to persuade her otherwise, they went as one before the governor to accuse her of being a Christian. The wily politician at first endeavored to procure her recantation through seductive promises of worldly treasure. To no avail. “He then made use of threats, . . .terrible fires were made, and iron hooks, racks and other instruments of torture displayed before her, with threats of immediate execution. The heroic child surveyed them undismayed” (Butler, p. 96). The profligate politician then sent her to a house of prostitution, but any who sought to harm her, “were seized with such awe at the sight of the saint that they durst not approach her” (Ibid, p. 96). She was sent back to the governor unscathed which so stoked his rage that he had her beheaded, making the sword one of her defining attributes. She is also often pictured with a lamb (relating her name to the word agnus which is Latin for lamb).  M&G’s St. Michael the Archangel and St. Agnes by the Flemish painter Colijin de Coter highlights this symbol. Although modern authorities tend to dismiss many of the particulars of Agnes’s story, there is little doubt that she was martyred during the Roman persecution and that she was subsequently buried in one of the catacombs just outside of Rome along the Via Nomentana.

 

Donnalynn Hess, Director of Education

 

Reference:

One Hundred and One Saints: Their Lives and Likenesses Drawn from Butler’s “Lives of the Saints and Great Works of Western Art.” A Bulfinch Press Book: Little, Brown and Company (Compilation Copyright 1993).

 

Published 2023

 

Picture Books of the Past: Jusepe de Ribera, called Lo Spagnoletto

Enjoy this series of segments highlighting Picture Books of the Past: Reading Old Master Paintings, a loan exhibition of 60+ works from the M&G collection. The exhibit has traveled to The Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. and the Orlando Museum of Art in Florida.

This work by Jusepe de Ribera is one of the most compelling portraits of Christ of the 16th century. (Following your video viewing click HERE to access the additional information provided on the exhibition’s text panels.)