Gaspar de Crayer (1584-1669) - Attributed, Gaspar de Crayer (1584-1669) - Attributed

Oil on canvas, 36 x 27 cm

Mary with Child and St Mary Magdalene, St Cecilia, St Dorothea, St Catherine and St Augustine.

In this portrayal, Mary is seated on a throne with the infant Jesus, while various female saints approach from the left to pay homage. A basket of grapes and fruit rests at her feet. St. Catherine of Alexandria kneels on the lower steps, dressed in white silk and holding a palm branch, symbolizing martyrdom. A putto on the foreground steps holds her symbolic sword and offers a wreath of flowers. Partially visible at the bottom left is the wheel, another attribute of St. Catherine. Positioned above her is St. Dorothea, extending a basket of paradise flowers to the infant Jesus, referencing an event from her legend. Behind Dorothea on the left are St Mary Magdalene and St Cecilia with a small organ. On the front right, St. Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, holds a flaming heart symbolizing love for God. Two putti lift the red curtain at the upper edge, revealing the scene. Oil on canvas, 36 × 27 cm