Diptych of Jean Carondelet Jan Mabuse Gossaert (Gossart) (1478-1532)

The diptych presents two distinct portraits arranged side-by-side, united by a shared aesthetic and framing device. On the left panel, we observe a man depicted in a formal pose. He is positioned centrally within the composition, his gaze directed towards the viewer with an expression that conveys both solemnity and perhaps a touch of restrained authority. The dark fur collar adorning his attire suggests status and wealth, while the clasped hands denote piety or reverence. An inscription runs along the upper edge, identifying him as Jean Carondelet. Below the portrait, another inscription provides the date “1517.”
The right panel showcases a Madonna and Child composition. The Virgin Mary is rendered with a gentle countenance, her eyes lowered in an expression of maternal tenderness. She holds the infant Jesus, who gazes outwards with an innocent serenity. The background is a deep, dark blue, typical of devotional imagery, which serves to emphasize the figures luminosity. An inscription encircles the upper edge, invoking Mary as a mediator and source of hope. A further inscription at the bottom identifies the artist as Johannes Melbo de Winghe.
The pairing of these two portraits suggests a deliberate connection between the individual and the divine. The man’s portrait, likely intended to convey his virtue and standing, is juxtaposed with an image of Mary, the embodiment of grace and intercession. This arrangement implies that the subjects earthly status is intertwined with spiritual aspirations or patronage.
The diptych’s format itself – a small-scale, portable artwork – indicates it was likely intended for private devotion. The meticulous detail in both portraits, from the rendering of fabric textures to the subtle nuances of facial expression, speaks to a high level of artistic skill and a desire to create an intimate and personal devotional object. The inscriptions serve not only as identification but also as prayers or invocations, reinforcing the work’s religious purpose.