International Conference on the 550th anniversary of the seizure of “The Last Judgment” by Paul Beneke:

Artists, bankers, sailors. Contexts of the times of Hans Memling.

Call for Papers:

Organisers: Memling Research Center at University of Gdańsk, and National Museum in Gdańsk.

International conference on the 550th anniversary of the seizure of the Last Judgment by Paul Beneke: Artists, Bankers, Sailors. Contexts of the times of Hans Memling.

20-22 IV 2023, Gdańsk , Poland, University of Gdańsk, National Museum in Gdańsk.



On 27 April 2023, 550 years will have passed since the victorious action of the Gdańsk privateer Paul Beneke. He captured a Burgundian galley with a rich cargo on board, including The Last Judgment triptych. He donated this altar to the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Gdańsk.

After centuries, researchers recognised the altar as the work of Hans Memling. To commemorate 550 years since the appearance of Hans Memling’s work in Gdańsk, we are organising a conference devoted to the broad context of this artist’s work.

We welcome proposals from scholars at all stages of careers, researching all aspects and contexts connected with Hans Memling and his time. The entire political and social context of Paul Beneke’s action is also essential. We would appreciate papers on the following subjects:

  • Hans Memling’s biography, artistic influences; Memling’s networking group; Memling in Bruges, his surroundings, influences, competition.
  • The Last Judgment in the context of medieval Europe; The Last Judgment triptych and other works by Memling.
  • Duchy of Burgundy during the reign of Duke Charles the Bold – cultural influences.
  • Documents, written arguments, their significance in disputes about restitution in the Middle Ages and today.
  • Rulers and art collections – an old and new problem.
  • Legal aspects of restitution of works of art.
  • Late medieval rulers and bankers and the salvation of their souls.
  • Legality and illegality of naval actions in the Middle Ages.
  • Pirates or privateers.
  • Altars, foundations and the politics of the Hanseatic League.
  • Are other works of art being medieval booty?

Papers are twenty minutes long.

In addition, the call is open for poster presentations. A poster session will include five-minute presentations from each accepted poster presented.

Expected registration fee: 85 EURO (cost of a banquet and two lunches), for PhD students : 65 EURO

Please send a form with proposal to : beata.mozejko@ug.edu.pl

Deadline for submissions: 15 October 2022.

Accepted participants will be notified by: 31 October 2022.

Organising committee:
Prof. dr. hab. Beata Możejko, University of Gdańsk.
Prof. UG dr. hab. Jacek Friedrich, director of National Museum of Gdańsk.
Dr Franciszek Skibiński, National Museum of Gdańsk.
Prof. UG dr hab. Andrzej Woziński, University of Gdańsk.
Prof dr hab. Kamil Zeidler , University of Gdańsk.
MA Joanna Kamień, University of Gdańsk.


Please send abstracts to : beata.mozejko@ug.edu.pl


CfP_Memling_2023