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Manufacturer
Hans MemlingPeriod and date
15de eeuw
MASTERPIECE
The paintings of the Flemish Primitives , such Hans Memling’s Moreel Triptych, often feature patrons with their patron or namesake saint. Catholicism has thousands of saints, so how do you identify which saint is portrayed? Most saints can be identified from the attributes they are depicted with. These are often objects taken from their legend, as in the case of Saint Barbara of Nicomedia (on the right panel), who, according to the story, was locked in a tower by her father. Others are depicted with the attributes of their martyrdom, like Saint Catharine of Alexandria with the wheel and the sword (see the St John Altarpiece , also by Hans Memling). And some can be identified by their appearance or surroundings. Identifying the subject or deeper meaning of an image based on figures and their objects is called ‘iconography’ and is an important tool for art historians.
Manufacturer
Hans MemlingPeriod and date
15de eeuw
Manufacturer
Hans MemlingPeriod and date
15de eeuw
