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Saints and Scenes from the Life of the Virgin

ca. 1320
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 601
These wood panels were once wings for a portable triptych that could close, hiding the now-missing center panel. Rather than flat wooden supports that were then framed, these panels are examples of “engaged frames,” in which the same piece of wood has been carved to create both the pictorial surface and its frame. This was particularly useful in early periods when paintings were frequently integrated into complex, architecturally inspired altarpieces. The anonymous artist of these panels based his compositions on a famous altarpiece by Duccio di Buoninsegna found in the Cathedral of Siena.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Saints and Scenes from the Life of the Virgin
  • Artist: Master of Monte Oliveto (Italian, active Siena ca. 1305–35)
  • Date: ca. 1320
  • Medium: Tempera on wood, gold ground
  • Dimensions: Left wing, overall, with engaged frame, 25 1/4 x 9 1/4 in. (64.1 x 23.5 cm), painted surface 23 3/8 x 7 1/2 in. (59.4 x 19.1 cm); right wing, overall, with engaged frame, 25 1/8 x 9 3/8 in. (63.8 x 23.8 cm), painted surface 23 1/2 x 7 1/2 in. (59.7 x 19.1 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Bequest of George Blumenthal, 1941
  • Object Number: 41.190.31bc
  • Curatorial Department: European Paintings

More Artwork

More Artwork
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Madonna and Child Enthroned, Master of Monte Oliveto Italian, Tempera on wood, gold ground
Madonna and Child Enthroned
Master of Monte Oliveto
ca. 1315–20
Saint Anthony of Padua, Maso di Banco Italian, Tempera on wood, gold ground
Saint Anthony of Padua
Maso di Banco
ca. 1340
Madonna and Child with Donors, Giovanni da Milano Italian, Tempera on wood, gold ground
Madonna and Child with Donors
Giovanni da Milano
ca. 1365
Madonna and Child, Berlinghiero Italian, Tempera on wood, gold ground
Madonna and Child
Berlinghiero
possibly 1230s
The Adoration of the Magi, Giotto di Bondone Italian, Tempera on wood, gold ground
The Adoration of the Magi
Giotto di Bondone
possibly ca. 1320

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