UNKNOWN MASTER, Flemish
(late 15th century in Brussels)

Virgin and Child

1490s
Panel, 91 x 77 cm
National Gallery of Scotland, Edinburgh

The anonymous artist who executed this panel is referred to as the Master of the Embroidered Foliage. This name is based on his characteristic foregrounds, carpeted with flowers and decorative leaves. He appears to have been active in Brussels and the South Netherlands, and was clearly influenced by such Flemish masters as Rogier van der Weyden and Hugo van der Goes.

This painting is one of several autograph variant versions of this composition and is distinguished by the throne with its elaborate gold-embroidered damask. A version having a similar throne is in the Groeninge Museum, Bruges.