Hans Memling

Sint-Janshospitaal Museum Brugge © Stad Brugge Musea Brugge. (1)

Hans Memling (ca. 1430 - 1494) is one of the figureheads of the Flemish Primitives. He is known as one of the most sophisticated artists of that movement. His impressive body of work excels in detail, symbolism and sophistication.

The refined master, at home in Bruges

Hans Memling was born in Germany. He saw the light of day around the year 1430, in a town near Frankfurt. And yet, he is inseparable from Flanders. In 1460 he moved to Bruges, then one of Europe's most important centres of commerce, power, art and culture. Once there, he grew into one of the most successful and sought-after painters of his time.

Memling painted an impressive body of work from his Bruges home. This ranges from altarpieces and triptychs to portraits and reliquaries. His repertoire displays masterful craftsmanship, a close eye for detail and a great sensitivity to position and colour.

This Flemish Primitive was deeply religious. He united religious devotion and great human emotions in his paintings. Memling could blend the earthly and the divine like no other.

Hans Memling, a figurehead of the Flemish Primitives, was at home in Bruges. And he still welcomes you there with open arms.

Memling in Flanders

Hans Memling is a figurehead of our major Flemish Primitives. He was born in Germany, but made his home in Flanders. His impressive body of work overflows with detail and sophistication. Discover all that beauty in his native Bruges, as well as in Brussels and Antwerp.