Triptych with the Death of the Virgin
ca. 1440
tempera and gold on wood
central panel: 119.5 x 83 cm; each wing: 119 x 35.5 cm
Inv. 56.492
The triptych was purchased by Arnold Ipolyi in Austria. Its style is related to the circle of a painter active in Vienna and named after his masterpiece “Master of the Albert Altarpiece.” The Albert Altarpiece dates from between 1437 and 1439 and is conserved in the Stiftsmuseum in Klosterneuburg. The central field of the present triptych depicts the death of the Virgin. The inner sides of the wings show four Passion scenes, while the outer sides are decorated with the Annunciation. The Annunciation is the first important event in the life of the Virgin: that is when she accepted the task to become the mother of God. Later, at the time of her death, she is shown in the company of the apostles. Christ appears to take her soul, which is here represented as white-clad young female figure issuing from the Virgin’s mouth. The acts and the faces of the apostles gathered around the deathbed are shown in an individualized way: various emotions and activities are shown, such as mourning, sorrow, being deeply moved and engagement in devoted priestly service. In the picture, also candles, candlesticks, liturgical objects, and furniture appear, allowing us a glimpse at the objects used in the 15th-century.
I.K.
