Saint Luke Painting the Virgin

Raphael Sadeler I, after Bartholomaeus Spranger

National Gallery of Art

The image shows a man with a long beard and wavy hair seated at an easel, engaged in painting or drawing. He is in a slightly reclined position, using one hand to gesture and the other to hold a brush. He wears a long robe that drapes over the chair. Winged figures, including angels, are around him, with one standing beside him and others in the background. In the upper part of the image, a celestial scene unfolds with a woman holding a child, surrounded by clouds and cherubs. The setting features clouds and rays of light illuminating the upper part, contrasting with the detailed figures below.