Saints and Scenes from the Life of the Virgin
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
- 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
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.