Unknown artist, Bruges (Belgium)
Around 1490–1500
Oil paint on wood
37.2 x 57.5 cm
The diptych format — two panels hinged together that open and close like a book — was very popular in the Netherlands. It enabled patrons to express their religious devotion, with their portrait on one side and holy figures on the other. Here, the Christ Child blesses the praying young man. In his other hand, he holds cherries, symbolising the rewards of Heaven.
Although the background landscape continues over the two panels, the figures are separated by a stone ledge and shown in different spaces — one heavenly, the other earthly.