Memling (or Memlinc), Hans
Memling, Hans
(1430?-94). Although he was known as a master of Flemish
painting, Hans Memling was born in Seligenstadt, near what is today Frankfurt
am Main, Germany. Memling, whose name is sometimes spelled Memlinc, first
established himself as a painter in Brussels. In style and composition his
work shows the strong influence of
Rogier van der Weyden,
the great Flemish
painter. Because of this, Memling is thought to have studied under the older
artist.
In about 1466 Memling moved to Brugge, where his career prospered. Like
many other Flemish masters, Memling painted with glowing colors and fine
craftsmanship. Unlike most artists, his style varied little throughout his
career.
Many of Memling's well-known religious works were painted for the Hospital
of St. John in Brugge. These include
Adoration of the Magi and six panels
depicting St. Ursula's journey to Rome, which he painted for the hospital's
shrine to that saint.
Memling was a master of portraiture. The faces he painted with careful
detail glow with life. The character of each is subtly suggested. In addition
to the portraits Memling painted for the notables of Brugge, he also received
commissions from foreign visitors such as Tommaso Portinari of the Florentine
Medici. Memling died in Brugge on Aug. 11, 1494.
Contributors:
Mark Harden and
Carol Gerten-Jackson.
-
The Resurrection, with the Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian and the Ascension
Truptych, Wood (170 Kb);
Central panel 62 x 45 cm (24 1/2 x 17 1/2 in);
Wings 62 x 19 cm (24 1/2 x 7 1/2 in);
Musee du Louvre, Paris
-
Portrait of an Old Woman
1468-70 (190 Kb); Oil on panel, 25.6 x 17.7 cm (10 1/8 x 6 15/16 in);
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Texas
-
Portrait of an Old Woman
1470-75 (30 Kb); Wood; Louvre
-
The Triptych of the Mystical Marriage of Saint Catherine,
lower half of right wing
1479 (40 Kb); Saint John the Evangelist on Patmos, Hospital Saint-Jean
-
The Triptych of the Mystical Marriage of Saint Catherine,
upper half of right wing
1479 (70 Kb); Hospital Saint-Jean
-
Madonna and Child Enthroned with Two Angels
1480 (60 Kb); Oil on wood, Uffizi
-
The Archangel Michael
1480 (30 Kb); Wallace Collection, London
-
The Last Judgement (top portion featuring Jesus)
1480 (80 Kb); Wood; Memling Museum at Bruges, Belgium
-
Musician Angels (one portion of a triptych)
1485 (60 Kb); Koninkijk Museum at Antwerp
-
Portrait of Benedetto di Tommaso Portinari
1487 (30 Kb); Oil on wood; Uffizi
-
Portrait of an Unknown Man
1490 (30 Kb); Oil on wood; Uffizi
© 20 May 1996,
Nicolas Pioch -
Top -
Up -
Info
Thanks to the
BMW Foundation, the WebMuseum
mirrors,
partners
and contributors for their support.