Madonna of the Dry Tree
Petrus Christus·1462
Historical Context
Hans Memling's Madonna of Jacob Floreins, painted around 1485 and now in the Louvre, Paris, was commissioned by Jacob Floreins, a member of the Sint-Janshospitaal community in Bruges. The painting shows the Virgin and Child surrounded by a group of female saints in a garden setting—the theme of the "Holy Virgin among Virgins" that was especially popular in Bruges' hospital communities. Memling's connection to the Sint-Janshospitaal resulted in some of his finest commissions.
Technical Analysis
Memling arranges the figures in a harmonious garden setting with his characteristic serenity, using smooth, luminous flesh tones and delicate color harmonies that create an atmosphere of paradise-like tranquility.
