Portinari Triptych (central panel) 1487

This panel, the central piece of the Portinari Triptych, was painted by Hans Memling in 1487. It depicts the Virgin Mary cradling the Christ Child, who holds a pomegranate, a symbol of Christ's passion. Memling’s meticulous attention to detail and realistic portrayal of the figures are characteristic of Early Netherlandish painting. The serene expressions and the rich, jewel-toned colors convey a sense of piety and devotion. The landscape backdrop, with its distant cityscape, adds depth and context to the scene.