Unknown artist – Memorietafel voor Lubbert Bolle (gest 1398), 1398-1424 Rijksmuseum: part 4

The composition presents a hierarchical arrangement of figures within a devotional setting. A richly adorned bishop stands on the left, his garments displaying intricate patterns and heraldic symbols rendered in vibrant reds and golds. He gestures towards a seated woman crowned with regal authority, who holds an infant child upon her lap. The woman’s attire is equally elaborate, featuring deep blues and gold accents that emphasize her elevated status.
The artist has positioned the figures against a backdrop of muted tones, creating a sense of depth and drawing attention to their central roles. A coat of arms is visible in the upper left corner, suggesting patronage or affiliation with a specific noble house. The bishop’s posture conveys reverence and supplication, while the womans gaze appears directed beyond the immediate scene, imparting an air of solemnity and contemplation.
Below the figures, inscribed text runs horizontally across the lower portion of the panel. This inscription likely serves as a memorial or dedication, providing context for the depicted individuals and their significance. The lettering is somewhat crude, suggesting either haste in its execution or a deliberate stylistic choice to emphasize its function as a simple marker rather than an aesthetic element.
The overall effect suggests a commemoration – a visual testament to the piety and authority of those represented. The combination of religious iconography with heraldic elements indicates a blending of spiritual devotion and secular power, characteristic of many medieval memorial works. The painting’s style exhibits characteristics typical of early Netherlandish art, with its attention to detail in fabrics and facial features, although the execution appears somewhat provincial compared to more refined examples of the period.