Jan Gossaert: Saint Luke painting the Madonna (1515-1525)

(Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, Austria)

A painting by the Flemish artist Jan Gossaert (1478-1532). The subject of this painting is a legend regarding saint Luke the evangelist. According to legends from the 6th century, Luke painted the first portrait of the Virgin Mary and the child Christ (a 'Madonna') - this is the reason why saint Luke is also the patron saint of artists. Gossaert shows Luke in the proces of making his first painting: Mary is depicted as the Queen of Heaven who is accompanied by Angels. As a symbol of divine inspiration, the hand of Luke is guided by an angel. Painting from 1515-1525.