Title

Virgin of the Grapes

Author

Coffermans, Marcellus [attributed to]

Helmond, ca 1524 - Antwerp, 1581

Typology

School

Century

Dimensions

Technique

Support

Observations

This painting, known as the Virgin of the Grapes, is a remarkable work from the second half of the 16th century. Although originally attributed to Adriaen Isenbrandt, who worked in Bruges under the influence of Gérard David, recent studies lean toward attributing it to Marcellus Coffermans, a Flemish artist active in Antwerp. Coffermans frequently drew inspiration from the great masters of the Bruges school, particularly Gérard David and Joos van Cleve, whose styles and themes are evident in this work.

An intriguing element of the painting is the presence of an older figure to the left of the Virgin, likely a donor. Depicted with a high forehead, a calm expression, and hands resting on an open book, this figure adds a sense of intimacy and introspection to the composition while offering an additional narrative dimension.

From a historical perspective, the Virgin of the Grapes originated from the personal collection of Juana of Austria, founder of the Monastery of las Descalzas Reales, and was bequeathed to the institution upon her death in 1603. This identification has been confirmed through the comparison of Juana’s post-mortem inventory with the works currently preserved in the monastery.

Until the 2010s, the painting’s attribution—alternating between Isenbrandt and a follower of Joos van Cleve—reflected ongoing uncertainties about its origin. However, its precise and delicate style, as well as its links to Gérard David’s school, now point to Marcellus Coffermans, a master renowned for his compositions of great refinement and subtle spirituality. A comparison with other highly similar works, such as the painting held in the Museum of Art and History in Geneva (inv. CR 0241), also attributed to Coffermans, further supports this identification.

Currently on display in the Flemish Paintings Room of the Monastery of las Descalzas Reales (November 2024), the Virgin of the Grapes remains one of the treasures of this institution.

Related links

Bibliography

• V. Bosch Moreno and O. Jacek Rojewski (2020): "La Virgen de la Cuchillada en el Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales de Madrid", Librosdelacorte.es, vol. 21, pp. 30-31.
• (2019): La otra Corte : mujeres de la Casa de Austria en los Monasterios Reales de las Descalzas y la Encarnación, Patrimonio Nacional, Madrid, p. 20, il. 6.
• A. García Sanz and M.L. Sánchez Hernández (2009): Guide: Royal convents of Madrid: las Descalzas reales and la Encarnación, Patrimonio Nacional, Madrid, p. 41.
• M. Díaz Padrón (1984): "Identificación de algunas pinturas de Marcelus Coffermans", Bulletin des Musées royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique, vol. 30-33, nº 1-3, pp. 58-59, il. 33.
• J.J. Garcés (1969): El museo madrileño de las Descalzas Reales, Prensa Ibérica, Madrid, pp. 72-3;86-7.

Locations

• 1573: Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales, Madrid (Spain) (Inventory number: 00612368)