Virgin and Child

Virgin and Child by Hans Memling: This small panel was once part of a devotional portrait diptych (a hinged two-panel painting).

What to notice

In Virgin and Child, start with classical, figurative, complex. Then look closely at this museum-described detail: The Christ child’s attention seems drawn to something outside the picture and lifts his hand in recognition.

Discover

This small panel was once part of a devotional portrait diptych (a hinged two-panel painting). The Christ child’s attention seems drawn to something outside the picture and lifts his hand in recognition. The opposing panel, once hinged on the right, would have featured a portrait of its original owner in prayer, now unfortunately lost.