The formal language of this private devotional diptych belongs to the International Gothic movement of the Northern European countries, especially the German and Bohemian schools, around 1400. The Virgin and Child follows the canons of the "Schöne Madonnen", a term coined by art historian Wilhelm Pinder in 1923. The soft face of the Virgin, with its high, prominent forehead, and the veil worn far back, surmounted by this high fleuron crown enhanced with white dots that resemble drops of enamel, are stylistic characteristics of these Madonnas. The natural pose of the nude Child, who appears agitated, as well as his hair, made of small ruffled curls, are also typical of these representations.

Lord Kenneth Clark Collection (Sotheby’s sale, London, July 5th 1984); Private collection, Germany.