Mary and Child

Mary and Child by Dirk Bouts
Artist
Dirk Bouts
Date
c.1465
Style
Northern renaissance
Genre
Religious painting
Location
National Gallery
"Mary and Child" is a classic example of a religious painting from the Northern renaissance period, showcasing the devotional focus characteristic of the era. The artwork employs glue-size technique, where pigment is bound to wood panels or cloth using hide glue, common in 15th-century Northern European art. While oil paints gained popularity in later periods, this piece relies on the more economical and durable glue-size method. The rendering of Mary and the infant emphasizes tenderness and spiritual intimacy, underscoring its significance within early religious iconography.

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