#20333 Jan Mabuse Gossaert (Gossart) (1478-1532)

The composition presents a seated female figure holding an infant, framed within an architectural niche. The woman is positioned centrally, her gaze directed outward with a contemplative expression. She wears a flowing red garment draped over a darker underdress; the fabrics folds are rendered with considerable attention to detail, creating a sense of volume and movement. A sheer veil partially obscures her hair, adding to the overall impression of modesty and reverence.
The infant is held close to the woman’s chest, his body lightly exposed. He appears robust, with a rosy complexion and an alert gaze that mirrors the mothers direction. The positioning of the child suggests intimacy and protection.
The architectural setting contributes significantly to the paintings meaning. The niche itself is arched, creating a sense of enclosure and sanctity. Inscribed within this arch are Latin phrases – GE.3.AMVLERIS SEMEN IHS. SERPENTIS CAPVT CONTRIVIT. - which likely allude to biblical narratives concerning lineage, divine conception, and the triumph over temptation. The niche’s marble-like appearance reinforces the sense of permanence and timelessness associated with religious subjects.
The color palette is dominated by warm tones – reds, oranges, and browns – that evoke feelings of warmth, piety, and maternal love. The limited range of colors contributes to a unified visual effect, drawing attention to the central figures. The background appears relatively plain, further emphasizing the mother and child.
Subtly, the painting explores themes of motherhood, divine grace, and protection. The architectural framing suggests a sacred space, elevating the depicted scene beyond the everyday. The inscription reinforces the theological significance of the subject matter, hinting at narratives of origin and redemption.