When and where was Hugo van der Goes born?
Hugo van der Goes likely entered the world around 1440 in Ghent or its immediate surroundings. No records confirm his childhood or early training before he appeared in official documents in 1467.
Questions about Hugo van der Goes
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who sponsored Hugo van der Goes entry into the painters guild of Ghent in 1467?
Two established artists sponsored his entry into this professional body. Joos van Wassenhove served as one sponsor and held master status since 1464 while Daneel Ruthaert acted as the second sponsor for the young painter's application.
What major altarpiece did Tommaso Portinari commission from Hugo van der Goes?
Tommaso Portinari, manager of the Bruges branch of the Medici Bank, commissioned Hugo van der Goes to create an altarpiece for San Egidio hospital in Florence. The work arrived in Pisa years after its completion by van der Goes and traveled via canal to the Porta San Friano in Florence during 1483.
Why did Hugo van der Goes leave his workshop in Ghent in 1477?
In 1477 at the height of his career Hugo van der Goes closed his workshop in Ghent and became a frater conversus or lay brother at the Rood Klooster monastery near Auderghem. This community belonged to the Windesheim Congregation within the Modern Devotion movement.
How did Hugo van der Goes die in 1482?
On the return journey from Cologne with his half-brother Nicolaes and another brother van der Goes suffered an acute depression. He declared himself damned and attempted suicide before dying shortly after this brief recovery.