Madonna and Child

Jan Gossaert was one of the first artists to introduce the Italian Renaissance style to the Northern Netherlands. This style is characterised by the classical forms of the Virgin’s face and the convincing modelling of the shapes of the body and drapery. This painting focuses on the tender care of a mother for her child. They are playing peek-a-boo with her veil.

For the Virgin’s blue cloak and dress, Gossaert used ultramarine, a costly pigment made of ground semi-precious stones.