Triptych Of The Virgin And Child, Saint Michael, Saint Anthony, 17th Century, Oil Painting

This extraordinary and highly decorative triptych was most likely produced for private devotion in a family chapel. It opens on hinges to reveal a central panel consisting of a depiction of the Madonna and Christ Child with an orb in his lap. The left panel depicts the warrior Saint Michael the Archangel standing upon the dragon/Satan and his attribute, a pair of scales to weigh the souls of the departed. The right panel depicts Saint Anthony of Padua and a book representing his wisdom and preaching. The outside of the door panels contains decorative carvings – also illustrated across the top, boldy carved. It is a highly ornate and an exquisite devotional artwork.

The triptych form arises from early Christian art, and was a popular standard format for altar paintings from the Middle Ages onwards. Painted and sculptors used it. From the Gothic period onward, both in Europe and elsewhere, altarpieces in churches and cathedrals were often in triptych form.

Measurements:

Height 79cm, Width 63cm open (Height 31”, Width 24.75” open)
Height 79cm, Width 37cm closed (Height 31”, Width 14.5” closed)