Hans Memling: Triptych of Saint Christopher

If you were wondering who painted the picture in my heading, or who the two people portrayed are, here is a little context:

The painting is by Hans Memling (or Memlinc), c. 1430-1494. Though far (far) from knowing anything about art, I have fallen in love with Memling's work. I was first exposed to his painting The Last Judgment by my Doctrine II professor, Rev. Charles Schulz, mentor, academic advisor, senior thesis advisor. You have seen some of his other work, like Christ Giving his Blessing and Christ with Musician Angels at the bottom of my blog.

The portraits are of Willem Moreel and his wife, Barbara van Vlaenderberch. Willem Moreel was a spice trader, was Lord of Oostcleyhem, and was one of the richest men in Bruges. He was also a banker for the Bruges branch of the Banco di Roma. He had five sons and thirteen daughters from Barbara van Vlaenderberch. The portraits were most likely originally part of a triptych with the Virgin and Child in the central panel.

The two also commissioned another painting for the church of Saint James in Bruges. They are again depicted along with their children.

Triptych of Saint Christopher:

Central panel: Saints Christopher, Maurus and Giles

Left wing: Willem Moreel with his sons and Saint Willam of Maleval

Right wing: Barbara van Vlaendrberch with her daughters and Saint Barbara

(Click here for full size)

I mean't to have a post done on Paul Althaus on Friday, but was unable to see this through. I therefore won't be able to post it until Tuesday.