The artwork titled “St. John and Veronica Diptych (reverse of the left wing)” is a piece by the artist Hans Memling, created around the year 1483. Rendered in oil on wood, it belongs to the Northern Renaissance art movement and measures 31 x 24.5 cm. The genre of the artwork is classified as ‘vanitas’, and it is part of the “St. John and Veronica Diptych” series. This notable piece is currently located in the Alte Pinakothek in Munich, Germany.
The artwork depicts a realistic portrayal of a human skull situated within a shadowed niche. The skull, illuminated from the left, is rendered with intricate detail, emphasizing the texture and structure of the bone. Below the skull, the inscription “MORIERIS” (Latin for “You will die”) is etched, reinforcing the vanitas theme that underscores the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death. The muted tones and meticulous brushwork contribute to the solemn and contemplative atmosphere of the piece. The precise rendering of light and shadow within the recessed niche adds depth, enhancing the three-dimensional effect of the artwork.
