Rare image of Madonna with child

(Active around 1500-1550) Mary with the Child, St. Dominic and two angels. Representation of Mary with long, open hair and a punched, golden disc halo, wearing a golden, equally punched brocade dress with brightly red cuffs and a blue mantle; on her lap Jesus as a boy in a long, white garment, holding a rosary in his hands; behind them two angels holding a golden brocade cloth; on the right side of the image, St. Dominic as a young monk; as background, a landscape with trees, a church, and small figurative staffage. Iconographically rare, early representation of a Madonna in connection with St. Dominic as the founder of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans). According to a legend spread since the 15th century, St. Dominic received the rosary in 1208 during a Marian apparition in the fight against the Albigensians and introduced it into his order. The style of the figure of Mary with the angels reflects influences of the old Netherlandish painting as well as of Quinten Massys (1465/66-1530) and Ambrosius Benson (around 1495-1550). Oil (and tempera?) on wood panel. Frame in good condition; representation approximately 48 cm x 34 cm; overall dimensions 56 cm x 42.5 cm. Dutch or Flemish master active circa 1500-1550. Minor flaws to the frame.