ORLEY, Bernaert van
(b. 1491/92, Bruxelles, d. 1542, Bruxelles)

Virgin of Louvain

1520
Oil on panel, 45 x 49 cm
Museo del Prado, Madrid

The painting received its name after the fact that it was presented by the city of Louvain to Philip II in 1588. At that time, it was attributed to Jan Gossart, but its characteristics point to van Orley as its true author. Philip II gave the painting to the Monastery of El Escorial in 1598.