Music-making Angels (1483-1494) 2
Five angelic musicians float amidst billowing grey clouds, performing a celestial concert against a shimmering gold background. Dressed in flowing robes of soft blue, white, and deep green, they play a variety of medieval instruments including a lute, a psaltery, and early versions of the trombone and oboe. Hans Memling, a master of the Northern Renaissance, captures their serene expressions and colorful, feathered wings with exquisite detail. This panel was likely part of a larger altarpiece, meant to surround the viewer with the sounds of heaven.