A Young Man at Prayer
- Artist: Hans Memling
- Date: mid 1470s
- Medium: oil on wood
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
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About this artwork
A Young Man at Prayer by Hans Memling is a stunning example of 15th-century portraiture. Painted in the mid-1470s, this small painting was likely the left wing of a diptych or triptych. The subject of his prayer would have been shown to his right, on a panel attached with hinges.
The sitter's dress and haircut suggest a date around 1475, indicating that he was a wealthy individual. His attire features a red velvet doublet, black robe, and gold chain adorned with sapphires and pearls. The two marble columns behind him add to the luxurious setting.
Technical analysis reveals an underdrawing for the face and neck, while the final positions of the face, hands, and book were fixed before painting began. Memling's skill in handling wet-in-wet passages is evident throughout the work.
The delicate details and subtle color palette demonstrate Memling's mastery of his craft. Although the background has been damaged and overpainted, this portrait remains a testament to the artist's skill and the era's artistic achievements.
See it in person
A Young Man at Prayer hangs in The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
