antiquesandartireland.com

Information about Art, Antiques and Auctions in Ireland and around the world
  • ABOUT
  • About Des
  • Contact
  • FLEMISH ALTARPIECE OF ST. DYMPHNA AT THE NATIONAL GALLERY

    Goossen van der Weyden (1455-1543 – Dymphna and her Companions about to Embark © The Phoebus Foundation, Antwerp

    A late medieval/Renaissance Flemish altarpiece – the only work of its kind to focus on the life of an Irish saint – goes on display at the National Gallery today.  St. Dymphna, The Tragedy of an Irish Princess by Goossen van der Weyden (1455-1543) dates to 1505.  Dymphna, a legendary 6th or 7th century saint, was the daughter of a Celtic king.  When she grew to resemble her mother her widowed father decided to marry her. To escape his incestuous intentions Dymphna fled Ireland for Geel in Belgium with her confessor Gerebernus.  Dymphna’s father pursued and killed them, their bodies were said to be buried on the spot by angels. The Church of St. Dymphna in Geel still holds relics associated with the saint.  In 2016 the Phoebus Foundation in Antwerp undertook a restoration of the altarpiece featuring scenes from the life of St. Dymphna. It will be on display at the the National Gallery until May 28.

    Comments are closed.