PICTURE FOR MELBOURNE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18690, 22 April 1924, Page 7

PICTURE FOR MELBOURNE.

THE WEEPING MADONNA.

LONDON. April 10. Memlinc's "Kieta," painted in 1474, which has been purchased by the Felton Bequest, is regarded by critics as an important acquisition to the Melbourne Art Gallery. An exquisitely painted miniature head of St. Veronica," one of eight adorning the background, bears a striking resemblance to the Prince of Wales. Mr. J. A. Levey, a member of the Felton Bequest committee, says that prominent critics are ecstatic over the purchase. The panel, 10} inches high and 7j inches deep, portrays the legend of St. Gregory except that Memlinc introduces a weeping Madonna, robed in deep blue with a white wimple beneath her hood, seated against the cross supporting Christ, whose head is surrounded by a crown of green thorns. The background, or gold on red includes miniatures of Peter, Judas, 'with a purse around his neck, Herod, the High Priest, and others who cannot be identified, with several mocking hands, the scourge, rope, lance, and other symbols of the Passion. The date, 1474, is seen on a pillar. Only one Memlinc is known to bear an earlier date," said Mr. Levey. "The National Gallery authorities are regretting that they did not purchase the picture which formerly belonged to the French collector M. Connerre. One of its most striking features is the transparent crystal appearance of the Madonna's tears, which the removal of the blackened varnish discloses as perfectly preserved."