Christ taking leave of his Mother is a subject in Christian art, most commonly (although not exclusively) found in Northern European art of the 15th and 16th centuries. Christ says farewell to his mother Mary, often blessing her, before leaving for his final journey to Jerusalem, which he knows will lead to his Passion and death; indeed this scene marks the beginning of his Passion.[1] In early versions just these two figures are usually shown, at half-length or less.
After Dürer the subject usually has a landscape setting and includes attendants (usually the Three Marys) to Mary, who often swoons with distress and is held by them. Saints Peter, John the Evangelist, Mary Magdalen and other apostles may be shown. It is probably more common in prints than paintings.[2]
- ^ John Oliver Hand, Catherine A. Metzger, Ron Spronk: Prayers and Portraits: Unfolding the Netherlandish Diptych, p.66, 2006, Yale University Press, ISBN 0-300-12155-5
- ^ Langmuir, Erica, The National Gallery companion guide,pp. 102–3. 1997 revised edition, National Gallery, London, ISBN 1-85709-218-X