Diptych of Jean de Cellier (detail) 1475

This detail of a diptych painted by Hans Memling in 1475 depicts the Virgin Mary, seated in a garden setting, with the Christ Child in her lap. Surrounding her are six female figures, each with their own devotional book. The diptych is part of a larger work that commemorates Jean de Cellier, a wealthy merchant who died in 1475. The peaceful garden and the figures' quiet reverence convey the devotional nature of this work, which was likely intended for private contemplation. Memling, a leading artist of the Early Netherlandish school, is known for his detailed and realistic depictions of figures and landscapes. This detail showcases his skill in capturing the delicate features of the women and the richness of the surrounding greenery.