In the middle of the 17th century this triptych, known as the Middelburg Altarpiece, was in the Flemish city of Middelburg, founded by the rich Bruges burgher Pieter Bladelin and his wife around 1444. The donor of the work, also known as the Bladelin Altarpiece, is therefore usually thought to have been the founder of the city himself. On the other hand, Middelburg passed into other hands after the death of the Bladelins, who had no children, and there is no evidence that the altarpiece did not arrive there at a later date. Furthermore, it shows only one donor, although Bladelin's wife was cofounder with him of the new city. The donor depicted, wearing the same fashions as the Duke of Burgundy and obviously a member of the upper classes, must therefore be considered unidentified.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 22 minutes): Thomas Tallis: Mass (Puer natus est)

Preview	Picture Data	Info
	Bladelin Triptych 1445-50 Oil on oak panel, 91 x 89 cm (centre panel), 91 x 40 cm (each wing) Staatliche Museen, Berlin
	Bladelin Triptych (exterior) 1480 Oil on oak panel Staatliche Museen, Berlin
	Bladelin Triptych (left wing) 1445-50 Oil on oak panel, 91 x 40 cm Staatliche Museen, Berlin
	Bladelin Triptych (central panel) 1445-50 Oil on oak panel, 91 x 89 cm Staatliche Museen, Berlin
	Pierre Bladelin Triptych (detail) 1445-50 Oil on wood Staatliche Museen, Berlin
	Pierre Bladelin Triptych (detail) 1445-50 Oil on wood Staatliche Museen, Berlin
	Pierre Bladelin Triptych (detail) 1445-50 Oil on wood Staatliche Museen, Berlin
	Bladelin Triptych (right wing) 1445-50 Oil on oak panel, 91 x 40 cm Staatliche Museen, Berlin