Tags
1400s, 15th Century, art, Artists, Belgium, Bruges, Flemish Painting, Hans Memling, Painters, Paintings, Religious, Renaissance
Name: Hans Memling
Work: Painter
Born: 1430
Died: 1494
Worked In: Bruges, Belgium (born in Germany)
Period: Early Flemish Painting
Influences: Rogier van der Weyden, Jan van Eyck, Dieric Bouts, Hugo van der Goes
What I have learnt about his work in general:
Hans Memling was very successful in Bruges and painted many religious works and portraits. In his paintings he used strict, defined forms but gave his work a sense of naturalism through the use of soft delicate colours and naturalistic emotions. His compositions were well balanced and his scenes elegantly portrayed, but he was not as innovative as his predecessor Rogier van der Weyden.
Adoration of the Magi (above: whole trypich; below: central panel), Hans Memling
Oil on panel
~1430
Museo del Prado, Madrid
In this painting Memling adhered to a largely centralised and symmetrical composition which gives a sense of order and cermony of this religious scene after Christ’s birth. The rich reds add to the feeling of pageantry. The naturalistic faces do not display strong emotions but rather are serene and composed giving a formal air and encouraging reverence and respect in the viewer.