Description
The painting Triptych of the Family Moreel (closed) by artist Hans Memling is a Flemish Renaissance masterpiece that has captivated art lovers for centuries. This work of art is a triptych, that is, a painting divided into three panels that can be closed like a book.
Memling's artistic style is evident in the painting, with painstaking detail and smooth, detailed painting technique. The artist uses a bright and rich color palette, including shades of blue, red, gold, and green, to create a luxurious and opulent scene.
The composition of the painting is impressive, with each panel showing a different scene. In the central panel, the Virgin Mary is seen seated on a throne with the Child Jesus on her lap, surrounded by angels and saints. In the side panels, members of the Moreel family, including the patriarch, Willem Moreel, and his wife, Barbara van Vlaenderberch, are seen kneeling before the Virgin and Child.
The story behind the painting is fascinating. It is believed to have been commissioned by Willem Moreel, a wealthy merchant and politician from Bruges, for his private chapel. The painting was created in the 1480s and has been kept in the Moreel family for generations before being sold to a private collector in the 19th century.
There are little-known aspects of the painting that make it even more interesting. For example, the portrait of Willem Moreel on the right panel is believed to have been painted after his death, using a wax cast of his face. Additionally, the painting has been the subject of controversy due to the presence of a character on the central panel resembling Judas Iscariot, which has led to speculation about the work's symbolic meaning.
In summary, the painting Triptych of the Family Moreel (closed) by Hans Memling is an impressive work of art that combines a detailed artistic style with impressive composition and a fascinating story behind it. It is one of the most important works of the Flemish Renaissance and remains one of the most valued paintings today.