The artwork, titled “Our Lady of the Dry Tree,” was created by Petrus Christus around the year 1450. Executed in oil on panel, this piece is a significant example of the Northern Renaissance art movement. The dimensions of the work are 12.3 by 17.4 centimeters. The painting is classified as a religious piece and is currently housed in the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid, Spain.
The artwork depicts the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child amidst a barren, leafless tree. The figure of Mary is adorned with a flowing red robe over a dark undergarment, creating a striking contrast against the dark, minimalist background. Surrounding the central figures are branches of the dry tree, interspersed with small, delicate golden letters, possibly symbolizing the blossoming of new life. The composition and the use of light draw attention to the serene expressions of the Virgin and Child, emphasizing their divinity and the mystical nature of the scene.
