Virgin and Child
The Met
Artist: Dieric Bouts(Netherlandish, Haarlem, active by 1457–died 1475)
Date: 1475–99
Department: European Paintings
Classification: Paintings
Medium: Oil on wood
Dimensions: 11 1/2 x 8 1/4 in. (29.2 x 21 cm)
Credit Line: The Jules Bache Collection, 1949
Visual Descriptions
AI GeneratedVisual Summary
Brief Description
A woman in a blue cloak breastfeeds a baby against a red and gold patterned background, in a half-length portrait
Detailed Description
The painting depicts a woman holding a baby in a half-length portrait against a patterned background. The woman, positioned slightly to the left of the center, has fair skin and light brown hair parted in the middle, visible beneath a deep blue cloak that covers her head and shoulders. Her head is tilted downwards, and her eyes are cast down, with a serene expression. She wears a white undergarment, and her left breast is exposed, with the nipple visible. Her left hand supports the baby, while her right hand is positioned near her breast. The sleeve of her right arm, visible below the blue cloak, is a lighter, reddish-brown color with a gold patterned design. The baby, held by the woman, is positioned to the right of the center. The baby has fair, plump skin and light, wispy hair. It sits upright, facing slightly towards the left, with its gaze directed forward. A necklace of small, reddish-orange beads is worn around its neck. The baby's lower body is partially covered by a white cloth draped over its legs, and its bare feet are visible at the bottom of the composition. The background behind the figures is a rich, deep red fabric with an intricate gold pattern, possibly a damask, featuring repeating floral or star-like motifs. The overall color palette is dominated by the deep blues, reds, and golds, contrasted with the fair skin tones of the figures and the white cloth.
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