Saint Ildefonso and the Baptism - Master of the Female Half-Lenghts

MASTER OF THE FEMALE HALF - LENGTHS
active in the early 16th century
A diptych with Saint Ildefonso and the Baptism of Christ
Oil on panel
Provenance: Lawrence Steigrad Fine Art, NY.
RKD: 30228 & 30227
Dimensions: 78 x 24 cm, 84 x 30 cm framed

THE ARTWORK
This diptych comprises two oil-on-panel paintings: The Baptism of Christ and Saint Ildefonso Receiving the Chasuble from the Virgin. Each panel measures 78 x 24 cm, with framed dimensions of 84 x 30 cm. The provenance includes Lawrence Steigrad Fine Art in New York.
The left panel depicts the Baptism of Christ, illustrating the moment John the Baptist administers the sacrament to Jesus in the Jordan River. The right panel portrays Saint Ildefonso, Archbishop of Toledo in the 7th century, receiving a chasuble from the Virgin Mary—a scene highlighting his deep devotion to her.
These works are notable within the Master's oeuvre, as he predominantly focused on half-length depictions of elegantly attired young women engaged in various activities. The inclusion of Saint Ildefonso suggests a commission for a Spanish patron, given the saint's significance in Spanish religious history.


THE ARTIST
The Master of the Female Half-Lengths was active in Antwerp during the first half of the 16th century. The notname was assigned due to the artist's specialization in painting half-length figures of women engaged in activities such as reading, writing, or playing musical instruments. These figures are characterized by their heart-shaped faces and gentle demeanors, often set against wood-paneled interiors or neutral backgrounds.
While the true identity of the Master remains a subject of scholarly debate, the consistent style and recurring motifs suggest the operation of a large workshop. This workshop produced small-scale panels catering to the open market and export, reflecting the high artistic and moral humanistic values of the Northern Renaissance.
The Master's works are distinguished by their sweetness and grace, embodying the refined tastes of the period's aristocratic clientele. The workshop's output also included religious and mythological subjects, though these are less common compared to the genre scenes of elegantly dressed women.