The Marriage of the Virgin c. 1513

"The Marriage of the Virgin" by Bernard van Orley, painted around 1513, depicts the biblical scene of the marriage of the Virgin Mary to Joseph. The painting is a masterpiece of Northern Renaissance art, showcasing van Orley's masterful use of color and detail. The figures are arranged in a formal procession, with Mary and Joseph at the center, and a group of witnesses to the left and right. The scene takes place in front of a grand architectural backdrop, highlighting van Orley's skillful depiction of perspective and architectural detail. This oil painting, measuring 54.4 x 33 cm, beautifully portrays the sacred union between Mary and Joseph, a central event in Christian tradition.