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The Virgin and Child by a Fountain

Photo credit: Glasgow Life Museums

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The descriptive title of this painting only hints at the amount of allegorical meaning it includes. The painting would have been closely studied by Christian worshippers and used – like most paintings of this type – as a focus for prayer and meditation. For example, the fountain represents the water of life, while the book on the ground stands for the Gospel writings, which tell of Jesus's life, death and resurrection. A tiny cross, which can just be seen in the distance, is a visual reminder of the painful death which awaits the placid baby seen here at his mother's breast. Even the flowers have meaning; the lily is the symbol of the Virgin Mary's purity, and the iris, with its three petals and sepals, can represent the Holy Trinity. This painting has traditionally been attributed to Flemish artist Bernaert van Orley, but recent research suggests that it may have been painted by – or in collaboration with – workshop assistance.

Title

The Virgin and Child by a Fountain

Date

c.1515–1540

Medium

oil on panel

Measurements

H 105.4 x W 82.2 cm

Accession number

201

Acquisition method

Archibald McLellan Collection, purchased, 1856

Work type

Painting

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Normally on display at

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Argyle Street, Glasgow G3 8AG Scotland

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