GEERTGEN tot Sint Jans
(b. 1460/65, Leiden, d. 1490, Haarlem)

Virgin and Child

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Oak, 81 x 52 cm
Staatliche Museen, Berlin

In this panel Geertgen reworks Hugo van der Goes's models in charmingly simple fashion. A pensive Madonna and Child share a sad reverie, indicated by the columbine that Jesus clutches. Also known as ancholie, the flower symbolizes introspection or melancholy.