The Madonna and Child Appearing to a Female Saint Offering a Model of a Church

Originally ascribed to an anonymous Venetian draftsman, this impressive drawing was recently recognized as the work of Bergmüller, the leading painter at Augsburg and long-time director of that city’s academy. While its destination has not yet been discovered, this composition was obviously intended for an altarpiece. Given the drawing’s size and elaboration, it may well have served as model for the patron. The principal figure has been identified as a female saint, but, presenting a model of a church, wearing noble attire, and lacking an attribute, she is more likely the patron.