Triptych of Earthly Vanity and Divine Salvation 1485

Hans Memling’s *Triptych of Earthly Vanity and Divine Salvation* (1485) is a captivating triptych that explores themes of mortality and the pursuit of salvation. The left panel depicts a coat of arms, highlighting the worldly pride and vanity that often distract individuals from spiritual matters. The central panel showcases Christ enthroned, surrounded by angels, symbolizing divine grace and the path to salvation. In stark contrast, the right panel features a prominent human skull, serving as a stark reminder of the inevitability of death and the ephemerality of earthly life. The meticulous detail and realism of Memling’s painting invite viewers to contemplate the contrasting forces of earthly desires and divine redemption.