Hans Memling

Meghna, Agnes, Drew

Born 1430, Mainz, Germany Served his apprenticeship at Mainz (or

Cologne) Later worked in the Netherlands under

Rogier van der Weyden Then went to Bruges, Belgium around

1465 where he died on August 11th, 1494

Last major fifteenth century artist in the Low Countries

Who is he?

Quiet and serene atmosphere/mood Natural movements Compositions based on careful

symmetrical balance Human figures are of standard type -They appear tall and emotionless expression - Faces are oval, with long narrow noses and high foreheads

Characteristics

Bright colour choice (almost

Mediterranean) - Promotes the effect of

space- Creates a glowing effect

Textural detail of various fabrics Painted with a lot of detail

requiring great knowledge and skill

Characteristics

What characteristics do

you see?

• Standard human figure -They appear tall and emotionless expression - Faces are oval, with long narrow noses and high foreheads

• Bright colour choice -Promotes the effect of space - Creates a glowing effect

• Quiet and serene atmosphere/mood

• Textural detail

Memling, Madonna and Child with Angels,

ca1480. Oil on panel

Composition is symmetrically balanced Two angels holding musical instruments on

either side of Mary and infant Christ On left, angel offers an orange to child and

plays with him Child reaches out for the orange while

ruffling the pages of the book with the other hand. (very natural movement for a child)

Textural detail of fabrics (rich brocades, plain/smooth

Gothic sculptures fill the rounded arch Medieval landscape with castle and church

in the distance

Attitude of acceptance

foreshadows his future sacrifice on the cross

Angel offering orange (fruit of redemption) is dressed in a dalmatic (liturgical vestment worn by a deacon during high mass)

Around the arch is a carved vine of grapes referring to the wine of the Eucharistic rite

In top left and right corners stand carvings of David (ancestor of Christ) and Isaiah (a prophet who foretold the virgin birth)

Red is the colour of the extremes, representing love, seduction, violence, danger, anger, as well as adventure

Memling often honored

Madonna by placing an oriental carpet under her throne, representing royalty

The castle in the open field background represents power and protection

the church in the distance represents the house of God and the body of Christ

The End