VREDEMAN DE VRIES, Hans
(b. 1527, Leeuwarden, d. ca. 1606, Antwerpen)

Trajan and the Widow

1572
Oil on oak panel, 72 x 107 cm
Private collection

The subject is taken from the story in the Golden Legend in which a widow begs the Emperor Trajan (98-117) for vengeance for the death of her son who was murdered by the son of the Emperor. Though Trajan did give up his son to her, he was nevertheless condemned to Limbo. Five hundred years later Pope Gregory the Great (circa 540-604) was so distressed that the pagan emperor Trajan had been consigned to Limbo that he prayed to God to have a special exception made. God heard Gregory's prayer and Trajan was transferred to heaven. This tale was popularised in the Middle Ages by Dante in The Divine Comedy.

The figures of the present picture were painted by Gillis Mostaert.




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