Weyden Seven Sacraments (right wing) detail1 Rogier Van Der Weyden

The composition is divided into two distinct zones, each conveying a narrative with differing emotional weight. On the left, a scene unfolds within what appears to be a richly adorned chamber. A young couple stands prominently, clad in vibrant red and green garments, suggesting affluence and status. They are surrounded by figures in clerical attire, some observing with solemn expressions, others appearing more detached. The arrangement suggests a formal ceremony or betrothal taking place under the auspices of the Church. A woman seated to the left, draped in dark fabrics, gazes downwards, her posture conveying grief or perhaps regret; she holds what seems to be a book or manuscript. At her feet, a small dog sits alertly, adding a touch of domesticity to the otherwise formal setting.
In stark contrast, the right side depicts a scene of imminent death and spiritual solace. A man lies in bed, his body emaciated and pale, clearly nearing his end. He is attended by two clerics: one administering what appears to be Holy Communion, while the other offers comfort and prayer. The dying man’s face bears an expression of quiet acceptance, or perhaps resignation. Behind the bed, a veiled woman stands silently, her presence suggesting familial connection and mourning. A banner bearing inscription hangs above the scene, likely containing a devotional text related to the sacrament being performed.
The juxtaposition of these two scenes creates a powerful visual dialogue. The vibrant life and promise represented by the couple on the left are immediately contrasted with the fragility of existence and the inevitability of death depicted on the right. This pairing underscores the cyclical nature of human experience, highlighting both earthly joys and spiritual necessities in the face of mortality. The inclusion of the dog, a symbol often associated with fidelity and companionship, serves to emphasize the loss that accompanies death, while the solemnity of the clerical figures reinforces the importance of religious ritual as a source of comfort and salvation during times of crisis. The overall effect is one of profound contemplation on life, faith, and the passage of time.