One of the Most Intriguing Paintings I’ve Ever Seen — The Virgin and Child with Saints Louis and Margaret

Extraordinary details in a newly displayed artwork

The Virgin and Child with Saints Louis and Margaret (c.1510) by unknown artist, Netherlandish or French. Oil on wood. 122.2 × 105.8 cm. The National Gallery, London, UK. Bought with the support of the American Friends of the National Gallery, 2025. © The National Gallery, London

I first saw this magnificent painting only recently, during a visit to the National Gallery in London. I was immediately pulled in by the dense richness of details and the tightly-packed composition that seems to press all the figures together into the canvas space.

Unexpectedly, I found myself face-to-face with a seven-fanged beast at the foot of the image, snarling sourly, replete with anguish.

Furthermore, look closely and you’ll see that this ghoulish creature is wearing a ridged shell, and that from this shell a woman is rising up as if hatching from an egg.

Detail of ‘The Virgin and Child with Saints Louis and Margaret’ (c.1510) by unknown artist, Netherlandish or French. Oil on wood. 122.2 × 105.8 cm. The National Gallery, London, UK. © The National Gallery, London

I lingered with the wonderful painting, and as I grew accustomed to its peculiar intensity, I began noticing countless details that steadily built into an image of extraordinary power. Once all pieced together, the results are fascinating.

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