Simon Bening

Simon Bening 1483 - 1561ca
Born Ghent, Belgium
Died Bruges, Belgium

'One of the most celebrated painters of Flanders in the 1500s, Simon Bening was hailed by Portuguese art critic Francisco da Hollanda as the greatest master of illumination in all of Europe. In addition to producing books for powerful aristocrats such as Cardinal Albrecht of Brandenburg, Bening worked for a group of international royal patrons including Emperor Charles V and Don Fernando, the Infante of Portugal. He specialized in books of hours and is also known to have received commissions for painted genealogical tables and portable altarpieces on parchment. Bening's art continued the Flemish tradition of skillfully representing the muted natural light of haunting nocturnal scenes. His work also contributed to a newer Flemish practice of painting poetic landscape vistas.

Simon learned his craft in the workshop of his father, the painter Alexander Bening, in Ghent. By 1500, he moved to Bruges. His career there developed quickly, and at least three times he served as dean of the calligraphers, booksellers, illuminators, and binders' Guild of Saint John and Saint Luke. As his father taught him, so Simon taught his children. His eldest daughter, Livinia, became court painter to Edward VI of England, and another daughter became a dealer in paintings, miniatures, parchment, and silk.'

The Getty Museum Collection

Villagers on Their Way to Church
Villagers on Their Way to Church; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1550; Tempera colors and gold paint on parchment; Leaf: 5.6 x 9.6 cm (2 3/16 x 3 3/4 in.); Ms. 50, recto
Gathering Twigs
Gathering Twigs; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1550; Tempera colors and gold paint on parchment; Leaf: 5.6 x 9.6 cm (2 3/16 x 3 3/4 in.); Ms. 50, verso
Blazon of Cardinal Albrecht von Brandenburg
Blazon of Cardinal Albrecht von Brandenburg; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 1v
Scenes from the Creation
Scenes from the Creation; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 7v
Border with the Creation of Birds and Fishes
Border with the Creation of Birds and Fishes; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 8
The Nativity
The Nativity; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 19v
The Circumcision
The Circumcision; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 28v
The Christ Child Surrounded by the Instruments of the Passion
The Christ Child Surrounded by the Instruments of the Passion; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 31v
The Adoration of the Magi
The Adoration of the Magi; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 × 11.4 cm (6 5/8 × 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 36v
The Presentation in the Temple
The Presentation in the Temple; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 43v
The Flight into Egypt
The Flight into Egypt; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 47v
The Dispute in the Temple
The Dispute in the Temple; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 53v
The Baptism of Christ
The Baptism of Christ; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 58v
The Temptation of Christ
The Temptation of Christ; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 62v
The Raising of Lazarus
The Raising of Lazarus; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 69v
The Entry into Jerusalem
The Entry into Jerusalem; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 77v
The Last Supper
The Last Supper; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 83v
Christ Washing the Apostles' Feet
Christ Washing the Apostles' Feet; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 87v
Judas Receiving the Thirty Pieces of Silver
Judas Receiving the Thirty Pieces of Silver; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 93v
The Agony in the Garden
The Agony in the Garden; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 98v
The Betrayal of Christ
The Betrayal of Christ; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 102v
The Arrest of Christ
The Arrest of Christ; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 107v
The Flight of the Apostles
The Flight of the Apostles; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 113v
Christ before Annas
Christ before Annas; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 119v
The Denial of Saint Peter
The Denial of Saint Peter; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 123v
Christ before Caiaphas
Christ before Caiaphas; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 128v
Christ before Pilate
Christ before Pilate; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 138v
Christ before Herod
Christ before Herod; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 143v
Christ Led from Herod to Pilate
Christ Led from Herod to Pilate; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 147v
The Flagellation
The Flagellation; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 154v
The Crowning with Thorns
The Crowning with Thorns; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 160v
Ecce Homo
Ecce Homo; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 164v
Pilate Washing his Hands
Pilate Washing his Hands; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 173v
The Way to Calvary
The Way to Calvary; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 178v
The Crucifixion
The Crucifixion; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 190v
The Man of Sorrows
The Man of Sorrows; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 202v
The Worship of the Inscribed Tablet from the Cross
The Worship of the Inscribed Tablet from the Cross; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 235v
The Crucifixion
The Crucifixion; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 242v
The Piercing of Christ's Side
The Piercing of Christ's Side; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 302v
Joseph of Arimathea Before Pilate
Joseph of Arimathea Before Pilate; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 311v
The Lamentation
The Lamentation; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 317v
The Entombment
The Entombment; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 328v
The Worship of the Five Wounds
The Worship of the Five Wounds; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 335v
Border with Moses and the Burning Bush
Border with Moses and the Burning Bush; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 20
Border with the Circumcision of Isaac
Border with the Circumcision of Isaac; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 29
Border with the Adoration of the Name of Jesus
Border with the Adoration of the Name of Jesus; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 x 11.4 cm (6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 32
Border with the Queen of Sheba before King Soloman
Border with the Queen of Sheba before King Soloman; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 × 11.4 cm (6 5/8 × 4 1/2 in.); Ms. Ludwig IX 19, fol. 37