L a - b e a u t é - s a u v e r a - l e - m o n d e ~ D o s t o ï e v s k i

L a - b e a u t é - s a u v e r a - l e - m o n d e ~ D o s t o ï e v s k i



Friday, April 23, 2021

Eighteen men and a jug full of flowers - a selection of paintings by Hans Memling

 

Hans Memling (also spelled Memlinc; circa 1430, Seligenstadt – 11 August 1494, Bruges), painter active in Flanders. He was born in the Middle Rhine region and probably spent his childhood in Mainz. He moved to the Netherlands and joined the Brussels workshop of Rogier van der Weyden. He was subsequently made a citizen of Bruges in 1465, where he became one its the leading artists, running a large workshop which produced religious works that often incorporated donor portraits of his wealthy patrons. He married Anna de Valkenaere sometime between 1470 and 1480, and they had three children. Memling's patrons included burghers, clergymen, and aristocrats, and he became very successful; in 1480 he was mentioned in the city's tax list as among its wealthiest citizens.





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5 comments:

  1. HelsApril 23, 2021 at 11:03 PM

    What a mass of male hair! Either Memling painted his patrons while they were all very young, or they covered their thinning spots with bulked up hair pieces. Love it

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    Replies
    1. StephiliusApril 24, 2021 at 9:02 AM

      Indeed, much of the hair in these portraits is "interesting." Several of the gentlemen appear to be sporting bad perms! ; )

      Delete
  2. Jane and Lance HattattApril 24, 2021 at 4:46 AM

    Darling Stephen,

    Such an accomplished artist who is entirely new to me. The portraits are, undoubtedly fine likenesses, but they also capture a sense of the individual in the tiny details. The clothes, the mere hint of a smile or frown, all give a glimpse into the inner character of the subject.

    However, my favourite is the still life with flowers. Such a haunting image.

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    Replies
    1. StephiliusApril 24, 2021 at 9:08 AM

      Funny enough, the painting of the flowers was what I had planned to center the post on. But then, searching for anything else like it by Memling - there isn't! - I was reminded of all his fascinating portraits. So then the flowers became almost an afterthought. But I do love it; glad you liked it, too.

      Delete
    2. Jane and Lance HattattApril 24, 2021 at 1:47 PM

      How intriguing....

      Delete

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