The artwork, titled “St. Ursula and her companions landing at Basel, from the Reliquary of St. Ursula,” was created by the artist Hans Memling in 1489. Executed in oil on panel, it is a prime example of Northern Renaissance religious painting. This piece is part of the “Reliquary of St. Ursula” series and is housed in the Memling Museum (Old St. John’s Hospital) in Bruges, Belgium.
The artwork depicts a scene of St. Ursula and her companions arriving at Basel. The focal point is a cluster of people disembarking from a ship, set against a meticulously detailed backdrop of Basel’s architecture and landscape. Tall Gothic spires rise in the background, and the town appears vibrant with activity as people go about their daily lives. The figures are artistically rendered with fine attention to texture, clothing, and facial expressions, reflecting the precision and intricate style characteristic of Hans Memling and the Northern Renaissance movement. The composition is balanced, and the use of oil on panel allows for deep, rich colors and intricate detailing, enhancing the scene’s emotional and spiritual depth.
