Florentine Triptych Travel Icon, Gilded Wood, Virgin Mary, Fra Angelico, 19th Century

Travel icon—a neo-Gothic Florentine triptych made of finely openwork gilded wood, with a painting on a wooden panel depicting the Virgin and Child at its center: "The Virgin with the Star" (or Madonna della Stella), based on the work by Fra Angelico (c. 1433–1434), dating from the 19th century.

The Virgin Mary is depicted standing, wrapped in a large midnight-blue cloak, gently holding the Infant Jesus close to her. A small gold star (which gives the original work its name) is discreetly painted above her forehead, symbolizing her title of Stella Maris (Star of the Sea).

This small traveling altar (or domestic tabernacle) features two openwork, hinged panels. When closed, these panels reveal a network of multi-lobed geometric cutouts typical of the Gothic style.  The upper frame takes the form of a pointed arch surmounted by decorative pinnacles and carved foliage motifs. The side posts are formed of small twisted columns.

This icon is in good overall condition and is of superb quality. Its intricate structure and the refinement of the painting make it a perfect example of the significance of devotional art from that period.

Please note: there are a few chips and areas where wood and gilding are missing on the Gothic structure (see red arrows; for example, foliage is missing in the upper right corner), as well as some scratches and signs of wear on the paint; see photos for details.

• Height 43 cm
• Width 19.5 cm / Depth 5 cm

Reference: D30 228
All photos are available at:
www.antiques-delaval.com