“Vanity, central panel from the Triptych of Earthly Vanity and Divine Salvation” is a significant artwork by Hans Memling, created around 1485. Executed in oil on a panel, this piece exemplifies the Northern Renaissance art movement. Measuring 20.2 by 13.1 centimeters, this allegorical painting is housed in the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Strasbourg in Strasbourg, France.
The artwork depicts a nude young woman standing in a lush, verdant landscape, holding a mirror in her left hand in which her reflection can be seen. Her right hand rests on her hip, suggesting a sense of self-assurance and contemplation. The natural surroundings include a small dog at her feet and a frog and snake on the ground to her right, each element symbolically contributing to the concept of vanity and the transient nature of earthly beauty. A serene village is visible in the background, providing contrast to the central theme with its simple, pastoral life. The composition and meticulous detail reflect Memling’s mastery and convey his deep engagement with the theme of moral and spiritual introspection.
