Unknown artist, western Germany
Around 1350–1400
Oil paint on wood
83.1 x 56.3 cm
This is one of the few surviving 14th-century triptychs from northern Europe.
Triptychs consist of three panels hinged together. Most often folded closed and set on an altar, they were opened for prayer and on special holy days, revealing the rich representations within. Unusually, the wings of this work were sawn at some point, separating the fronts and backs. Therefore, the triptych can now be seen both opened (right) and as if closed (left).
The outer panels depict saints with ties to the Franciscan monastic order, including Saint Francis preaching to the birds.
Inside, the triptych acts like an illustrated Bible. Its small figures and individual episodes recall the delicate images found in religious manuscripts. The main panel shows the Crucifixion, surrounded by scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary.