The artwork titled “Tommaso Portinari and his Wife” was painted by Hans Memling around the year 1470. This piece, executed in oil on wood, is a notable example of Northern Renaissance portraiture. The dimensions of the artwork measure 42.2 x 32.1 cm, and it currently resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) in New York City, NY, US.
The artwork features two portraits placed side by side, each meticulously depicting a solemn and contemplative figure with their hands pressed together in a gesture that suggests prayer or reverence. The figure on the left, presumably Tommaso Portinari, is portrayed with a stark and focused expression, dressed in dark, simple clothing. To the right, his wife is adorned with a beautiful necklace and a headpiece, emanating an air of grace and refinement. Both individuals are set against a dark backdrop, emphasizing their illuminated faces and lending a serene, almost divine quality to their representations. The attention to detail and the delicate execution of textures and expressions illustrate Hans Memling’s mastery and contribute significantly to the legacy of Northern Renaissance art.
