“St. Ursula and her companions landing at Cologne, from the Reliquary of St. Ursula” is an artwork painted by Hans Memling in 1489 using oil on a panel. This religious painting is a significant piece of Northern Renaissance art and is part of the “Reliquary of St. Ursula” series. The artwork is housed in the Memling Museum located within the Old St. John’s Hospital in Bruges, Belgium.
The artwork portrays St. Ursula and her companions disembarking from a ship upon their arrival at Cologne. The scene is set against a backdrop of a medieval cityscape featuring detailed architecture, including a prominent church and city walls, which are characteristic of Memling’s intricate and precise style. The figures are depicted with grace and elegance, each adorned in period attire, capturing a moment of serene religious pilgrimage. The colors are rich and carefully chosen, enhancing the solemn yet hopeful mood of the arrival. The composition is marked by its harmonious balance and rich detailing, which are hallmarks of the Northern Renaissance movement, showcasing Memling’s mastery in merging religious narrative with intricate artistic expression.
