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This is an oil sketch Rubens made in preparation for an altarpiece for St Bavo’s Cathedral, Ghent; it shows the scene that appeared on the left panel. The two women wearing gold crowns are Saints Gertrude and Begga, the sisters of Saint Bavo (who appears in the central panel). Saint Bavo was a Roman solider, but he left the military to become a monk; his sisters followed his example by becoming nuns. Judging by her closeness and familiarity, the woman in the white headdress is probably a companion of the sisters, possibly Saint Bavo's daughter.Saint Gertrude clutches her necklace as she goes to discard it, just as her brother in the central panel gives away his wealth before entering the monastery. Her head is tipped back and her eyes are raised as if towards heaven.
Title
Three Female Witnesses
Date
1611-12
Medium
Oil on oak
Measurements
H 107.6 x W 41.1 cm
Accession number
NG57.2
Acquisition method
Holwell Carr Bequest, 1831
Work type
Painting
The National Gallery, London
Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England
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