Heilwich van der Rullen and Her Daughters with Saint Mary Magdalen (outer face); Hendrixke van Langhel and Her Deceased Child with Saint Catherine (inner face)

This devotional diptych, painted around 1498, offers a fascinating glimpse into personal piety in the late 15th century. On the outer face, Heilwich van der Rullen and her daughters are presented in prayer, their gazes directed towards the figure of Saint Mary Magdalen. The saint, identifiable by her long flowing hair and the ointment jar at her feet, was a popular figure for private devotion, often associated with penitence and contemplation. The subdued colors and reverent expressions create an intimate atmosphere, suggesting the deep spiritual connection between the family and their chosen patron saint. This work exemplifies the Northern Renaissance tradition of combining portraiture with religious imagery, allowing patrons to visualize themselves in the presence of holy figures. The inner face, visible when the diptych is opened, reveals Hendrixke van Langhel and her deceased child with Saint Catherine, further emphasizing the personal and familial nature of these commissions.