The Donne Triptych

The triptych was probably commissioned from Memling in Bruges by Sir John Donne of Kidwelly, a Welshman resident in Calais, in the late 1470s. Accompanied by Saint Catherine, he kneels in adoration to the Virgin and Child, while Saint Barbara accompanies Lady Donne and their daughter. On the left-hand shutter is Saint John the Baptist and on the right, Saint John the Evangelist, Sir John Donne's name-saints. Seen through the window behind the Evangelist is a peacock, a symbol of eternity. The figures on the reverses of the shutters, painted to resemble statues, are Saints Christopher and Anthony Abbot.