Mindelheim clan altar: Maria Cleophae and Alphaeus with their children Jacobus the Younger, Simon Zelotes, Judeas Thaddaeus and Josephus Justus

Welcome, everyone! Before you is "Mindelheim clan altar: Maria Cleophae and Alphaeus with their children Jacobus the Younger, Simon Zelotes, Judeas Thaddaeus and Josephus Justus," a captivating painting by Bernhard Strigel. This artwork, part of the Bavarian State Painting Collections, is a relatively intimate piece, measuring 51 centimeters wide and 72 centimeters high. While we unfortunately don't have a precise date of creation, the style strongly suggests it belongs to the Northern Renaissance period. nn The painting depicts a family scene, centered around Maria Cleophae and Alphaeus, seated and holding a baby. They are dressed in dark, simple robes, while their four sons are shown in lighter garments, each engaged in a different activity – one reading, another observing, and two more seated at the bottom. The background features a patterned wall and a portion of a column, suggesting an interior setting. A banner at the bottom, displaying text in a Gothic script, likely contains a biblical inscription, adding to the religious context of the piece. nn The artist's skill is evident in the attention to detail in the figures' clothing and expressions. The use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and realism, drawing your eye to the central figures. The overall composition is balanced and harmonious, emphasizing the family group and its importance within a likely religious or devotional context. The painting's quiet intimacy and careful detail invite contemplation on the themes of family and faith.