# Mary and Child \(detail\) [View the canonical artwork record]() ## Artwork - Artist: [DAVID, Gerard]() - Date: 1501-1550 - Technique: Oil on wood ## Commentary The cornfield with reapers in the background is an allusion to the miracle of the cornfield well-known in the Middle Ages. It was told that during the flight to Egypt the Holy Family passed by a husbandman sowing seed. He was instructed by the Virgin to say to inquirers that he had seen them go by at the time of sowing. The corn miraculously grew and ripened overnight. Herod's soldiers arriving next day gave up pursuit on being told quite truthfully that their quarry had gone by at the time of sowing. ## Related artworks - [Adoration of the Kings \(detail\)]() - [Adoration of the Kings]() - [Adoration of the Magi]() - [Adoration of the Magi]() - [Altarpiece of St Michael]() - [Altarpiece of St Michael]() - [Breviary of Isabella of Castile]() - [Canon Bernardinus de Salviatis with Three Saints]() - [Christ Nailed to the Cross]() - [Crucifixion]() - [Crucifixion]() - [Forest scenes]() ## Attribution [Web Gallery of Art]()