Saint Paul with a Donor; Christ Appearing to His Mother

Master of the View of Saint Gudula, 1480

MEDIUMOil on wood
DIMENSIONS(a) overall 37 3/8 x 11 3/8 in. (94.9 x 28.9 cm), painted surface 36 3/4 x 10 7/8 in. (93.4 x 27.6 cm); (b) overall 37 1/4 x 11 1/4 in. (94.6 x 28.6 cm), painted surface 36 3/4 x 10 3/4 in. (93.4 x 27.3 cm)
LOCATIONThe Metropolitan Museum of Art
COLLECTIONEuropean Paintings
CREDIT LINEThe Friedsam Collection, Bequest of Michael Friedsam, 1931

Observe this striking diptych, where a donor's personal devotion to Saint Paul is juxtaposed with the poignant scene of Christ appearing to his mother after the resurrection, a masterpiece of late 15th-century Netherlandish art.

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ABOUT THIS WORK

This diptych presents two distinct yet related scenes, one sacred and one devotional. On the left, Saint Paul, identifiable by his sword, stands with a kneeling donor, likely the person who commissioned this painting. The donor's hands are clasped in prayer, directing his gaze and devotion towards the right panel. Here, Christ appears to his mother, Mary, after his resurrection. The artist, known as the Master of the View of Saint Gudula, creates a sense of intimacy and quiet reverence in both panels. The figures are rendered with a soft, naturalistic light, emphasizing their forms and expressions. This work offers a fascinating glimpse into late 15th-century Netherlandish painting, combining personal piety with biblical narrative in a deeply personal format.

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What to Notice

1

Saint Paul's sword, his traditional attribute, rests against his shoulder.

2

The donor's hands are clasped in prayer, his gaze fixed on the adjacent panel.

3

Christ's wounds are visible, a detail emphasizing his resurrection.

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Audio Deep Dive

Observe this striking diptych, where a donor's personal devotion to Saint Paul is juxtaposed with the poignant scene of Christ appearing to his mother after th…

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THE ARTIST
Master of the View of Saint Gudula

This enigmatic Early Netherlandish painter, active in Brussels, is known for his detailed religious scenes and portraits of church patrons.

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