Panels from the movable wings of a winged altarpiece
c. 1520
Wood, tempera
St. Vitus cooked in oil
Inv. 55.106
The two companion panel paintings (55.106, 55.107) were originally painted on both sides and belonged to a movable wing of a winged altarpiece. The verso of each panel was later sawed off. There is not enough information to determine whether the episodes from the legends of St. Vitus and St. Nicholas appeared on the same or opposing sides of the altarpiece wing. Both depictions were extensively overpainted. Once these additions removed, it became clear that entire faces were missing in the St. Vitus scene. The intentional damage and gouged eyes indicate the altarpiece fell victim to the iconoclasm of the Reformation.
Provenance:
Ipolyi Collection. ‘131. St John cooked in oil. Oil painting on a wood panel. Early 16th century; German school. Extensively overpainted and cracked.’ (Lakatos-Balla 280)
Restoration:
Dezső Varga (both panels were transferred to new supports); Ildikó Kákai Szabó, 1970-71 (removal of overpainting, new touch ups).
Provenance:
Ipolyi Collection. ‘131. St John cooked in oil. Oil painting on a wood panel. Early 16th century; German school. Extensively overpainted and cracked.’ (Lakatos-Balla 280)
Restoration:
Dezső Varga (both panels were transferred to new supports); Ildikó Kákai Szabó, 1970-71 (removal of overpainting, new touch ups).
