Virgin and Child 1478

Hans Memling made this Virgin and Child panel painting with oil on wood in the late 15th century. Oil paint was a relatively new medium at the time, prized for its ability to render minute detail. Look closely, and you can see how Memling built up thin layers of translucent paint, known as glazes, to create the luminous effect of the figures’ skin. The wood panel provides a stable, rigid support, ideally suited for the precise detail Memling achieved. These materials and processes have imbued the artwork with cultural significance. The use of oil paint allowed Memling to depict the Virgin and Child with incredible realism, emphasizing their humanity. The choice of materials also reflects the economic and social context of the time. Oil paint was an expensive medium, and the use of a wood panel suggests that Memling was working for a wealthy patron. This painting is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of Memling, as well as the importance of materials and making in understanding the full meaning of this artwork.