Saint Luke Drawing the Virgin

 

Rogler van der Weyden, Saint Luke Drawing the Virgin, 1435-1440.
(Image: Web Gallery of Art)

Saint Luke is the patron saint of healers and artists, and, in this 15th century masterpiece, he is drawing the Blessed Virgin Mary as she feeds the infant Jesus.  Luke is working with concentration, attention, devotion, and tenderness.  According to Sebastian Smee, in this painting, van der Weyden "cunningly integrated Christian symbolism into images that were spatially unified and consistent with reality." Mary's position on the step of the throne is a symbol of her humility, and the enclosed garden represents her purity.