Oberrheinischer Maler des 16. Jahrhunderts
SCENE FROM THE LIFE OF THE HOLY URSULA
Oil and tempera on wood.
65 x 40 cm.
Unframed.

The scene, painted on oak wood, shows the Breton king's daughter Ursula Aetherius, who is about to be pulled away by a horse. In Cologne, her extensive company, which had accompanied her on a pilgrimage to Rome, is killed by Huns who besieged the city. Ursula was spared, however, because a Hun prince had fallen in love with her. This prince may be depicted here on the right, already equipped with a bow and arrow quiver, presumably at the moment he learns of Ursula's refusal. The panel was certainly part of an extensive ensemble, which had told Ursula's story in whole or in part and was set into an altar, as the wide painter's margin indicates. Retouching mainly over the vertical joining of the painting ground. (1220075) (2) (13)