In 1484, Bill Moril ordered a memorial triptych for the altar of the chapel in the Church of St. James in Bruges. On the central part of the altar are depicted over. Moor and of sv. Gilles, and between them – of sv. Christopher, bearing on the shoulders of the Infant Christ.
In a cave in the rock, a hermit holds a lantern, showing travelers a dangerous ford. The baby on the shoulders of the saint raised his right hand in blessing. Christopher’s gaze is directed upwards; from the expression on his face, it is clear that he knew who he was carrying, at the moment when leaves were miraculously bloomed on his pole. Memling conveys the gigantic growth of Christopher, depicting his legs under water below ground level. ST. CHRISTOPHER.
A resident of Canaan, distinguished by great growth and strength, of sv. Christopher converted to Christianity in order to serve the most powerful master. The hermit told him to help those who want to ford a dangerous river. Once a child asked to be transported across the river, Christopher took him on his shoulders and entered the water.
With each step, the water became more turbulent, and the child was heavy, like lead. When they reached the other side, the Infant revealed to him that he was the Christ bearing the burden of the whole world. He told Christopher to stick his pole into the ground, and the next morning the pole was covered with fruits and leaves.
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)