Portrait of a Man with an Arrow 1480

Hans Memling painted this portrait of a man with an arrow in Bruges around 1470, using oil on panel. The arrow held by this well-dressed young man is an unusual attribute. But it speaks to the rising merchant class of the Netherlands during the 15th century. Guilds of archers were common civic organizations, and skill with a bow was a sign of honor and status. Although the sitter is unknown, his refined clothing and the ring on his finger tells us he was wealthy. This painting offers an intriguing glimpse into the institutions of the time and the status symbols that defined social standing. To truly understand the message Memling is conveying here we could research the archives of Bruges, hunting for guild records and family histories. Art always emerges from a specific time and place, embedded within the society that produced it.