Virgin and Child with St. Anthony the Abbot and a Donor 1472

Hans Memling's "Virgin and Child with St. Anthony the Abbot and a Donor" (1472) is a quintessential example of Early Netherlandish painting. The composition features the Virgin Mary holding the Christ child, with Saint Anthony the Abbot standing to the right and a donor kneeling in prayer. The scene is set in a meticulously rendered interior with intricate details, typical of Memling's style. This work is particularly noted for its vibrant colors and the realistic portrayal of the figures, capturing the devotional atmosphere of the time. The donor, likely a wealthy patron, is placed in a position of reverence before the holy figures, emphasizing the importance of piety and religious devotion in 15th-century European society.