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Mystery Surrounds This Rare Altarpiece

An enigmatic 16th-century altarpiece joins the National Gallery, London collection.
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Mystery Surrounds This Rare Altarpiece
“The Virgin and Child with Saints Louis and Margaret,” circa 1510, by an unknown Netherlandish or French painter. Oil on oak wood; 48 1/8 inches by 41 5/8 inches. Bought with the support of the American Friends of the National Gallery, London, 2025. National Gallery, London. Copyright The National Gallery, London
Lorraine Ferrier
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Art experts remain baffled by a 16th-century altarpiece titled “The Virgin and Child With Saints Louis and Margaret.”

The National Gallery, London recently acquired the devotional work for 16.4 million pounds (around $21.7 million). The American Friends of the National Gallery, London helped fund the acquisition. Members of the public will be able to view the altarpiece for the first time in over 60 years, when the gallery displays it starting May 10. They’ll also learn some of the surprising elements in the work that explain why its artist remains a mystery.

Lorraine Ferrier
Lorraine Ferrier
Author
Lorraine Ferrier writes about fine arts and craftsmanship for The Epoch Times. She focuses on artists and artisans, primarily in North America and Europe, who imbue their works with beauty and traditional values. She's especially interested in giving a voice to the rare and lesser-known arts and crafts, in the hope that we can preserve our traditional art heritage. She lives and writes in a London suburb, in England.