Saints Augustine, Ludger, Hubert and Gereon or Maurice

Artist: Master of the Life of the Virgin and workshop (not listed, Active second half of the 15th century)

Original Dimensions: 48 3/4" x 32 3/4"

Location: National Gallery of Art, London

About Artwork: (Probably 1485-90) "This is the outer face of the left-hand shutter of an altarpiece from the Benedictine abbey in Werden, near Cologne. It would have been visible when the shutters were closed over the central part of the altarpiece, which has not been traced. The outer face of the right-hand shutter, which is also in the National Gallery’s collection, is painted with four standing saints. The inner faces of the shutters show scenes from the life of Saint Hubert, who is also shown here, with two other bishop saints. The miniature stag on the Bible he holds refers to his miraculous vision of Christ, which prompted his conversion. Furthest to the left is Saint Augustine, who holds a heart pierced with an arrow, a symbol of God’s love. Next is Saint Ludger, who founded the abbey at Werden in about 800 and was made Bishop of Münster shortly afterwards. The saint dressed in armour, carrying a banner and a shield, might be Gereon, a Roman soldier who was martyred along with the other members of the so-called Theban Legion." - (National Gallery of Art, London)