Sint Jan's Hospital, Bruges

St. John's Hospital in Bruges dates from 1150--it was chartered in 1188--and served as Bruges' main hospital for some centuries. Its service as a museum, both of health care and earlier Flemish art, dates from 1977, although a number of its art works have resided there for centuries as well. It is most famous for its collection of works--portraits, diptychs and triptychs--by Hans Memling, who flourished toward the end of the 15th century, two generations after van Eyck. Memling was a student of Rogier van der Weiden, another Flemish master, whose works we also admire. Much of the museum is devoted to the history of health care, although as some observe, health care in the Middle Ages was rather more concerned with spiritual health. I am sparing you the many exhibits of gruesome surgical instruments and such, but recommend watching "Theodoric of York: Medieval Barber," for deeper insight.

Entrance to giant old main hall

We have visited Medieval hospitals in Angers and most famously
in Beaune and other places, all impressive for their great age, size,
and benevolence

Of course, on your sick (or death) bed, it would always be helpful
to be reminded of the Good Samaritan (Anonymous, 16th)

Another Anonymous, with Trinity, hospital nun, and patron saint

Helpful map of the complex (many wards, apothecary, dorms for
priests, nuns, et al.)

Part of the main hall

Jan Baptiste Beerbock, View of the St. John's Infirmary, 1778

EMS vehicle

Memling, St. John Altarpiece, 1479; commissioned by the hospital;
been there ever since; details to follow

Memling, Diptych of the Virgin and Child and of Maarten van
Nieuwenhove, 1487; Memling was especially known for his portraits,
which were much in demand in Italy

Memling, Portrait of a Young Woman, 1480

Memling, Lamentation of Christ on Golgotha, 1480; aka The Triptych
of Adriaan Reins; notable, especially for...

This back-panel depiction of St. Mary of Egypt

Memling, Adoration of the Magi, 1479

Now in the hospital chapel, examining the choir seating...looking,
as always, for misericordia...

In the chapel

Shrine of St. Ursula, featuring scenes of her life, by Memling...
miniatures, by his standard, but exquisite miniatures

St. Ursula with the 11,000 virgins; Memling painted
only the first 11...

I'll spare you the intermediary details (I probably
posted them in 2013 or 2015); needless to
say, it did not end well for the 11,001 virgins, at
least temporally

Back now for a few details from the St. John triptych;
things not going well for that St. John

St. John the Evangelist getting inspired

Standard symbols and icons from the Book of Hallucinations,
aka Revelations 

Finally, another of Memling's biggest hits is the Moreel Triptych, 1484,
which I neglected to post from the Groeningemuseum, offered here
in penance