The Immaculate Conception of the Virgin, with Two Donors

Image credit: The National Gallery, London

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The Virgin Mary, crowned with 12 stars and standing on a crescent moon, is surrounded by flowers associated with her purity, a mirror and the crown denoting her position as Queen of Heaven. The painting refers to the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception (the belief that the Virgin was conceived without sin). Much of the imagery associated with this belief was derived from the Old Testament Song of Solomon, once attributed to Solomon, the King of Israel, whose throne is probably to be identified with that at the top of the staircase to the left. Two life-size figures, the donors, appear in the lower corners – an old woman in mourning dress and a man, presumably her son. Valdés Leal has used variations in light and tone to distinguish between the earthly and heavenly realms.

The National Gallery, London

London

Title

The Immaculate Conception of the Virgin, with Two Donors

Date

probably 1661

Medium

Oil on canvas

Measurements

H 189.7 x W 204.5 cm

Accession number

NG1291

Acquisition method

Bought, 1889

Work type

Painting

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The National Gallery, London

Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England

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