MASTER of Female Half-lengths
(active 1530-1540 in Antwerp)

Virgin and Child with an Angel

1530s
Oil on panel, 60 x 52 cm
The Clark Art Institute, Williamstown

The infant Jesus balances on his mother's lap, his attention turned toward a visiting angel bringing fruit. The angel points to items on the table that symbolize Jesus's future sacrifice, giving this charming scene somber undertones.

The painting has been attributed to an anonymous master associated with paintings of fashionably dressed women, shown half-length, representing the Virgin or Mary Magdalene.