Hans Memling präsentiert den Vorstehern und Schwestern des Sint-Jans-Hospitaal zu Brügge seinen Ursula-Schrein 

Editor: We're looking at a drawing by Jean-Baptiste Madou, entitled "Hans Memling Presents His Ursula Shrine to the Supervisors and Sisters of the Sint-Jans Hospital in Bruges." It looks like it's rendered in pencil, ink, and other media on paper. There's a muted, somber tone to this interior scene. What do you make of it, from a formal perspective? Curator: Observe the artist’s masterful handling of light and shadow to create depth within the architectural space. Notice how the composition, built around the presentation of the Ursula Shrine, employs a balanced asymmetry. What is the effect of having the figures clustered on either side, rather than a symmetrical arrangement? Editor: It feels like there's more emphasis on the viewers than the object itself. Are the lines more significant than other formal aspects? Curator: Indeed. Consider how the linework varies—bold outlines defining the figures versus the more delicate, atmospheric strokes suggesting the architecture. The hatching and cross-hatching create a textural richness, implying different materials and surface qualities. The light and dark serve to draw one's eye across and into the plane. What about Madou's strategic use of empty space? Editor: It appears that he has chosen to emphasize select elements, thus making other areas almost fade away from our vision. Curator: Precisely. It emphasizes what is essential to the scene, allowing us to concentrate on the interaction between Memling and the religious order within their setting, framed with great focus. Now what might one say of how the medium supports all of these considerations? Editor: I hadn't noticed that. Using the texture of the materials enhances both the interior space and the object that dominates its plane. Curator: The choice of these media emphasizes the quiet gravity of the presentation. Through form, line, texture and the handling of space, Madou directs our attention to what he wishes to highlight. Editor: Thanks! Now I realize the technical artistry brings a greater degree of purpose to the image than I thought possible.