Salvator Mundi in a Landscape

Gallery 317, European Art 1100-1500, third floor

Main Building

Salvator Mundi in a Landscape

c. 1510-1530

Master of the Mansi Magdalene (Netherlandish (active Antwerp), active c. 1510–c. 1530)

Christ is here shown holding an orb surmounted by a cross that symbolizes his domain over the earth, marking him as Salvator Mundi—Savior of the World. This image retains many of the conventional features of Byzantine icons: Christ’s frontal pose, centrally parted hair, and gesture of blessing, but the artist has extended the figure to full length and placed him in a landscape setting.

Christ’s central position in the composition divides the picture into two symbolically mirrored halves. For example, the rabbits on the left signal lust due to their notorious breeding habits while the swans on the right, thought to partner for life, stand for purity. This anonymous artist is named after a painting of the Magdalene formerly in the collection of the Marchese Battista Mansi.

Gallery 317, European Art 1100-1500, third floor

Object Details

Title:

Salvator Mundi in a Landscape

Date:

c. 1510-1530

Artist:

Master of the Mansi Magdalene (Netherlandish (active Antwerp), active c. 1510–c. 1530)

Medium:

Oil and gold on panel

Dimensions:

28 15/16 x 21 1/2 inches (73.5 x 54.6 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

John G. Johnson Collection, 1917

Accession Number:

Cat. 388

Geography:

Made in Netherlands (historical name, 15th-16th century), Europe

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Gallery 317, European Art 1100-1500, third floor

Main Building

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