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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.
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
The National Gallery, London
Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England
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The Immaculate Conception of the Virgin, with Two Donors The National Gallery, London -
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Virgin of the Immaculate Conception The Courtauld, London (Samuel Courtauld Trust)