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The Virgin and Child with Saint Peter and Saint Paul

Image credit: The National Gallery, London

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The Virgin, holding the infant Christ, sits on a marble throne with a luxurious material stretched across it – a cloth of honour, something often hung behind medieval royalty. Two saints stand with them, and particular symbols tell us who they are. On the Virgin’s right is Saint Peter, a key peeping out from beneath his green robe. On the Virgin’s left is Saint Paul, the sword by which he was martyred leaning against the arch behind him. He holds out a delicate flower to Christ: a carnation. Carnations or pinks were known in northern Europe as ‘nail flowers’ because their scent resembles cloves, which are shaped like the nails driven into Christ’s body when he was crucified. So this little flower may allude to the Passion (Christ’s torture and crucifixion).

The National Gallery, London

London

Title

The Virgin and Child with Saint Peter and Saint Paul

Date

probably 1460s

Medium

Oil on oak

Measurements

H 68.8 x W 51.6 cm

Accession number

NG774

Acquisition method

Bought, 1867

Work type

Painting

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Normally on display at

The National Gallery, London

Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England

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