Virgin and Child with the Patron Saints of Constance 1499 - 1531

Hans Burgkmair created this woodcut, “Virgin and Child with the Patron Saints of Constance,” which now resides at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It depicts the Virgin Mary and Child, framed by Saint Conrad and Saint Pelagius, all beneath elaborate architectural detailing. In the late medieval and early Renaissance periods, the representation of holy figures, like those depicted here, often served as a way to visualize religious ideals. The saints, with their distinct attributes, invite us to reflect on their stories and virtues. Their presence alongside Mary and the Christ Child, provides a lens through which to consider the intersections of power, sanctity, and communal identity. Commissioned works like these were made to reinforce not only faith, but also the social structures underpinning it. Burgkmair’s work offers a glimpse into the cultural values of his time and offers a space to reflect on the narratives that continue to shape our understanding of the world.