After Hans Memling, Virgin And Child, Oil On Copper, 19th Century

Oil painting on copper depicting the Virgin and Child, based on the left panel of the diptych by Maarten Van Nieuwenhove painted in 1487 by Hans Memling (1435/40-1494) and now on display at the Memling Museum in Bruges.

Commissioned by the notable and future mayor of Bruges Maarten Van Nieuwenhove, the diptych depicts the latter on the right panel, kneeling in prayer and facing the Virgin who adorns the left panel.

Dressed in a blue robe adorned with rich gem-encrusted brocade and a red mantle, the Virgin delicately hands an apple to the Christ Child. Seated on an embroidered cushion, the latter wears a modesty veil that does not appear on the original. The fruit, symbolizing the original sin committed by Adam and Eve, is a harbinger of the fate that awaits him, namely to die to atone for the sins of mankind. On the left, a convex mirror reflects the silhouettes of the Virgin Mary and Maarten Van Nieuwenhove at prayer, showing that they are both in the same room. Above, a stained glass window depicts Maarten Van Nieuwenhove's coat of arms, accompanied by his motto ("Il y a cause") and surrounded by four medallions, each depicting a hand rising from a cloud to sow golden seeds on the earth, thus creating a "new garden" ("nieuwe hof", a direct reference to the patron's name). On the right, a window opens onto a landscape and is surmounted by two stained glass windows, one of which depicts Saint George slaying the dragon.

A label bearing the inscription "Copy by Memling the greatest Flemish (master/painter) of the 15th century" can be seen on the back.

A small scratch on the foot of the infant Jesus.
Some wear on the frame.
Good overall condition.
From the 19th century.

Dimensions:
Framed: 60.5 x 48 cm
Sight: 43.5 x 34 cm