Description
The painting Diptych with the Deposition by Hans Memling is a masterpiece of Flemish art from the 15th century. The painting is composed of two panels that fold like a book, and measures 53.8 x 38.3 cm in its original size.
On the left panel, the Crucifixion of Christ is represented, with the Virgin Mary and Saint John at his feet. The composition is very balanced, with a diagonal line separating heaven and earth, and the characters are arranged in a harmonious pattern.
In the right panel, the Deposition of Christ is represented, with José de Arimathea and Nicodemus taking down the body from the cross, while the Virgin Mary and Saint John support it. The composition is more complex, with a curved line that joins the heads of the characters and creates a circular movement in the composition.
The coloring of the painting is very rich and varied, with warm and cold tones that combine harmoniously. The details are very precise and realistic, and the light and shadow are very well worked.
The history of the painting is fascinating, as it is known to have been commissioned by the Bruges Archers Guild in the year 1475. It is believed to have been used as a devotional item for the guild's chapel, and was brought to the church of St. John's in Bruges after the guild's dissolution in the 18th century.
One of the lesser known aspects of the painting is that Memling used a technique of painting in very thin and transparent layers, which allowed him to create a very special effect of depth and lightness.
In summary, the painting Diptych with the Deposition by Hans Memling is a masterpiece of Flemish art, noted for its balanced composition, its rich and varied colouring, and its technique of painting in thin, transparent layers. Its history and its details make it a fascinating and meaningful work.