Wall label

Portrait of a Young Man

Hans Memling, c.1430–1494 · 1475

A young European merchant looks quietly past us, with a soft Italian-style landscape through the window behind him.

Why it's great for language

A calm portrait in clear light — perfect for describing people.

A gentle note

Hans Memling's work fits describing people, feelings better than "present simple". Try one of those focuses, or pick another artist from the gallery.

Set the room

Shape the lesson

The painting adapts to your focus — chosen now: Portrait of a Young Man.

CEFR level

Language focus

Pick one thing your students will actually walk out able to do.

Duration

Optional finishEnd with an art response (students make their own)Learners create their own artwork inspired by the painting's style, subject or mood — and use the target language while planning, labelling and presenting it.

Make it yours

One thing about your class — and the lesson will feel built for them.

Optional — but teachers who add this say the lesson lands better.

A complete lesson, painted around Portrait of a Young Man.