Unknown Maker, Possibly

This intimate gathering around the infant Jesus and his mother, Mary, is known as a “sacred conversation.” In attendance are martyr-saints Barbara of Hungary (holding a book and seated before a tower) and Catherine of Alexandria (represented by a sword and spiked wheel). An angel offers a bowl of figs, referencing Mary as the new Eve.

Variations of this composition were painted by a circle of Italian and northern European artists influenced by Leonardo da Vinci’s work. Here the refined painting technique, brilliant rendering of textiles, and Dutch words embroidered on the hem of Catherine’s robe suggest a Netherlandish artist and patron.