Abner's Messenger before David; The Queen of Sheba Bringing Gifts to Solomon; The Annunciation

ca. 1480
Not on view
These panels, showing narrative scenes of Abner's Messenger before David (?) and The Queen of Sheba Bringing Gifts to Solomon, once formed the interior wings of a triptych. The Annunciation on the reverse sides would have been visible when the altarpiece was closed. Painted in grisaille in imitation of stone sculpture, the Annunciation acted as a prelude to the theme of Christ’s Incarnation represented in the Adoration of the Magi of the triptych’s central panel (Galleria Colonna, Rome).

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Abner's Messenger before David; The Queen of Sheba Bringing Gifts to Solomon; The Annunciation
  • Artist: Master of the Saint Barbara Legend (Netherlandish, active late 15th century) and a collaborator
  • Date: ca. 1480
  • Medium: Oil on oak
  • Dimensions: Each panel 36 3/4 x 17 5/8 in. (93.3 x 44.8 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: The Friedsam Collection, Bequest of Michael Friedsam, 1931
  • Object Number: 32.100.56a–d
  • Curatorial Department: European Paintings

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