Dirk Vellert: Saint Luke Painting the Virgin (1526)

(Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, USA)

An engraving by the Flemish artist Dirk Vellert (1480-1547). This piece shows a legend from the life of saint Luke the Evangelist. According to a 6th century story the saint had painted the first image of Mary an d the child Jesus. The story was very popular in the late Middle Ages and was often depicted in art, such as this piece. Engraving from 1526.