Portrait of Jacob Obrecht 

This is Hans Memling’s portrait of Jacob Obrecht, painted on panel in the late fifteenth century. During this time, the identities of those in the Northern Renaissance were being shaped by the rise of humanism and individualized portraiture, allowing for people to be seen and remembered as individuals. This portrait of Obrecht, a highly regarded composer, departs from traditional representations by focusing on his humanity rather than his status. His hands are clasped in prayer, suggesting piety, yet his gaze is direct and contemplative. The rendering of his features offers an intimate glimpse into the life of a man who dedicated his life to music. This image is not just a record of likeness; it’s an invitation to consider the inner life of a man living in a time of great cultural and religious change. Memling captures a sense of personal reflection that transcends the boundaries of time.