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Notes
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We do not know the origins of this mysterious painting. It has the wide rectangular shape typical of Venetian votive pictures made to thank the Virgin Mary or a patron saint. The Virgin sits on a stone throne ornamented with sphinxes, symbolising wisdom, while Saint Joseph stands beside her. A warrior approaches the Virgin and Child on his knees, his right hand to his heart, his face in shadow. He wears European armour, but the silk of his headdress is from Islamic North Africa, the enamelled trappings of his horse from Islamic Spain, and his curved dagger and belt hanging on the wall are of Islamic style. The image appears to be unique in showing a Muslim warrior kneeling in adoration before the Virgin and Child. The infant Christ raises his right hand in blessing while a page in Venetian costume stands behind the wall holding the warrior’s horse.
Title
A Warrior adoring the Infant Christ and the Virgin
Date
after 1520
Medium
Oil on canvas
Measurements
H 155.3 x W 263.5 cm
Accession number
NG234
Acquisition method
Bought, 1853
Work type
Painting
The National Gallery, London
Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England
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