The artwork, titled “Triptych of Willem Moreel, left wing, the founder Willem Moreel, his sons and St. William of Maleval” was created by Hans Memling in 1484. This oil on wood painting, a product of the Northern Renaissance art movement, measures 141 x 87 cm and falls under the genre of religious painting. It is part of the “Willem Moreel Triptych” series and is currently housed in the Groeningemuseum in Bruges, Belgium.
The artwork depicts Willem Moreel, his sons, and the patron saint William of Maleval in an intricate and highly detailed manner characteristic of the Northern Renaissance. Willem Moreel, dressed in a red robe, is seen kneeling in prayer alongside his sons, who are similarly posed with hands clasped. Standing behind them is St. William of Maleval, identifiable by his knightly helmet and dark cloak, holding a staff with a flag. The background showcases a picturesque landscape with a castle and village, painted with meticulous attention to architectural and natural details. The emotional gravity and spiritual devotion of the subjects are rendered with precision, emphasizing a serene and contemplative atmosphere. The composition’s rich symbolism and the deft handling of light and texture underscore Memling’s mastery in religious iconography.
