The Legend of St. Ursula and the 11,000 virgins

Reliquary of St Ursula. Hans Memling Museum, Bruges


Panels 5 and 6: The martyrdom in Cologne.  The scene starts in the extreme left, where archers are firing on the ship we saw in panel 4. Note how the panel; are devised to create one continuous scene.  (See below). 

In the foreground of panel 5 we see Etherius being stabbed in the arms of Ursula. In panel 6 Ursula has spurned the advances of the King of the Huns, as is about to be martyred. An interested dog looks on; dogs were a symbol of loyalty. The Hun soldiers all seem to be enjoying themselves. 

Memling page 1


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