Annunciation, c. 1467

Hans Memling
Groeningemuseum,
Musea Brugge (Belgium)
0000.GRO1254.I-1255.I
 

These panels, depicting the Annunciation, were originally part of the so-called Crabbe Triptych. They are the exterior panels of the sawn-through wings of the triptych. The fronts are in the Pierpont Morgan Library in New York. The central panel, the Crucifixion, is kept in the Museo Civico in Vicenza. Dismantling triptychs, so that the different panels could be sold separately, was common practice from the 18th century onwards.

Jan Crabbe, the 26th abbot of the Ten Duinen at Koksijde, commissioned this triptych in 1472 to commemorate his fifteen years as prelate. The Annunciation, with the angel Gabriel on the left panel and Mary on the right panel, are the earliest known examples in the Netherlands of “natural” or “living” grisailles. Traditionally, grisailles were used for representations of saints on the outside of side panels. The monochrome tones give the figures a sculpture-like character. Memling, however, creates a lively effect by adding colour to these panels. For this reason, they are often referred to as semi-grisailles.

Curious about the different layers in Memling's works?

Technical examination is used to study Hans Memling’s paintings. This is a method within art history that applies the latest scientific techniques to examine the various layers that make up a painting. KIK-IRPA used four modes of macro photography and infrared reflectography to research and document Hans Memling’s paintings.

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