{{ titlePrefix }} Hans Memling
Hans Memling (1435-1494) was born in Germany in Seligenstadt near Frankfurt. By 1465 he had moved to Bruges, where he was evidently successful. By 1480 he had bought himself a large stone house, was taking on pupils, and had joined a confraternity. It has been suggested that he trained in Cologne. Memling created works of great refinement and elegance, imbued with a calm, serene mood. His principal contribution to Flemish painting lies in his use of extensive landscape backgrounds for his portraits. Memling also introduced Italian elements into Flemish painting.