Portable Triptych
1540-1560 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This small triptych with three panels serves as a portable altarpiece, on a chain, which could be attached to a rosary or hung on a girdle. When opened, the triptych reveals inside a fine scene depicting the Adoration of the Magi over three panels. The style is strongly influenced by Netherlandish painting. Queen Isabella of Castile (died 1504) favoured artists from Northern Europe and subsequent Spanish rule in the Netherlands under Charles V (ruled 1519–56) encouraged the arts. With Spain's great wealth, Flemish and German artists came to work in the flourishing workshops of Castile.
Design books also travelled. The arabesque pattern engraved on the outside panels of the silver frame was based on German ornamental drawings of the 1530s and 1540s.
Design books also travelled. The arabesque pattern engraved on the outside panels of the silver frame was based on German ornamental drawings of the 1530s and 1540s.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Engraved silver and oil painting on copper |
| Brief description | Portable triptych on a chain, depicting the Adoration of the Magi over three panels, engraved silver and oil painting on copper, Spain, 1540-1560 |
| Physical description | With a rounded top and suspensory chain. The exterior engraved with arabesques. Interior painted in oils with the Adoration of the Kings by a painter of the Flemish-Spanish school. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Gallery label | Silver Gallery:
This small triptych with three panels serves as a portable altarpiece, on a chain, which could be attached to a rosary or hung on a girdle. When opened the triptych reveals inside a fine scene depicting the Adoration of the Magi over three panels, in a style strongly influenced by Netherlandish painting. Queen Isabella of Castille (1504) favoured artists from Northern Europe and subsequently Spanish rule in the Netherlands under Charles V (1519-1556) encouraged the arts. With Spain's great wealth Flemish and German artists came to work in the flourishing workshops of Castille.
Design books also travelled. The arabesque pattern engraved on the outside panels of the silver frame was based on German ornamental drawings of the 1530s and 1540s.(26/11/2002) |
| Object history | Bought from Baur, Paris. Exquisite painting inside panels. Discuss display with photograph of painting. |
| Production | Spain, and Flemish School; Spain, around 1540 and Flemish, around 1560 |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This small triptych with three panels serves as a portable altarpiece, on a chain, which could be attached to a rosary or hung on a girdle. When opened, the triptych reveals inside a fine scene depicting the Adoration of the Magi over three panels. The style is strongly influenced by Netherlandish painting. Queen Isabella of Castile (died 1504) favoured artists from Northern Europe and subsequent Spanish rule in the Netherlands under Charles V (ruled 1519–56) encouraged the arts. With Spain's great wealth, Flemish and German artists came to work in the flourishing workshops of Castile. Design books also travelled. The arabesque pattern engraved on the outside panels of the silver frame was based on German ornamental drawings of the 1530s and 1540s. |
| Bibliographic reference | The Golden Age of Hispanic Silver 1400-1665, Charles Oman, HMSO, 1968 |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 93-1865 |
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| Record created | February 9, 2004 |
| Record URL |
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