Federazione Italiana Mercanti d'Arte

Medieval Triptych, Southern Greece

Tempera on panel with a gold background

Extraordinary medieval triptych, painted in tempera on panels with a gold background, from Southern Greece, during the Venetian domination.

It consists of a central tabernacle-like altarpiece and two side doors, which can be closed like a book using small hinges.

It is a work of exceptional beauty and rarity, a document of both artistic and historical importance, and a link between Eastern and Western Christianity, capable of exciting any scholar or collector.

The opening of the doors leaves one amazed and immediately arouses interest and wonder, as much as its preciousness is evident.

We prefer not to dwell on describing the innumerable scenes depicted, leaving medieval art enthusiasts the pleasure of discovering the many unusual iconography of this extraordinary historical moment. An example is the image of San Cristoforo Cinocefalo or "Head of a Dog", of oriental origins, a representation strictly prohibited by the Council of Trent in the 16th century. As well as the Saints Constantine and his mother Elena on either side of the Cross, he was the first great emperor of Rome of the Christian faith whose famous edict liberalized his cult in 313 AD. Typically medieval is also the representation of the Saints-Princes of Kiev, Boris and Gleb, sons of Vladimir I the Great, portrayed on horseback of their steeds.

The work can be dated between the end of the fifteenth century and the mid-sixteenth century and is in excellent condition despite its age.

The paintings are intact, without any restoration work and are still excellently readable.

Measurements: closed 38 x 68 open 76 x 68

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