MEMLING, Hans
(b. ca. 1440, Seligenstadt, d. 1494, Bruges)

St Ursula Shrine: Arrival in Basel (scene 2)

1489
Oil on panel, 35 x 25,3 cm
Memlingmuseum, Sint-Janshospitaal, Bruges

2. Arrival in Basel

The fleet, represented once again by just two vessels, has put in at Basel. This time Memling includes male pilgrims, in accordance with the vision of the legend experienced by Elizabeth of Schöngau. Seamen furl the sails. The townscape is imaginary, with only the late-Gothic tower being interpreted as an echo of the town-hall in Brussels. The pilgrims are shown as they leave Basel on the right to continue their journey to Rome on foot. The snow-covered Alps in the distance form a link with the following scene.