307. Hans Memling (c. 1430-1494), Flemish,

Portrait of a Man from the Lespinette Family,

c. 1485-1490. Oil on wood, 30.1 x 22.3 cm.

Mauritshuis, The Hague.

 

 

Memling’s portraits show a lot of attention paid to the position of the head and hands. The man’s devotion is made obvious here in the representation of his hands in prayer and the church in the distance. The tightly framed composition gives a strong sensation of intimacy to this portrait.