Christ the Saviour
1529.Room 057A
Quentin Massys was one of the leading Flemish painters of the late fifteenth and early sixteenth century and developed his professional career in Antwerp. The origin of this painting is unknown. It has belonged to the Royal Collection since the time of Philip II in the sixteenth century. The position of the figures, looking at each other, is common for diptych paintings. However, we do not know if these were originally painted as pendants to each other In 1597 this panel and Virgin Mary (P01562) were described in the Escorial as two “doors” of the same object. They may have been acquired as separate paintings and then hinged together as a diptych in the Royal Collection.
Both the Virgin and the Savior have a similar reverse side, which mimics marble. The reverse of Christ the Savior includes the inscription: AN OPUS Quintini metsys. M D XXIX. Dendrochronology indicates that 1509 is the earliest possible date for this painting, although it is most likely dated after 1515. This is consistent with the date of 1529 that appears on the back of the panel.
Information updated by the Flemish and Northern European Paintigns department, Museo del Prado.
