Saint Mary Salome and Her Family c. 1520 - 1528

Bernhard Strigel painted "Saint Mary Salome and Her Family" around 1495, and the tempera on panel rewards close viewing. Vertically oriented, the painting places its figures against a patterned gold background. Note the colour symmetry: red tones dominate the left, balanced by shades of green on the right, all anchored by Mary's central presence. Bernhard Strigel’s panel functions as both a religious depiction and a dynastic assertion, showcasing the extended family of Saint Mary Salome. Strigel arranges his figures within a geometric structure that reflects the hierarchical order of the late Middle Ages. The individuals depicted do not interact, yet their presence contributes to an overall theme of lineage and divine blessing. Strigel uses careful details in the costumes and settings to signify status and wealth, reinforcing the painting's dual purpose of religious devotion and secular representation. The arrangement of figures, combined with the use of colour, creates a structured space that conveys both spiritual and political meanings.