Central Panel of a Triptych

Art Historical Context

This delicate central panel from a North French triptych, carved from ivory and enhanced with paint around 1280–90, captures a poignant Crucifixion scene. At its heart is Christ on the cross, flanked by sorrowful Madonna cradling the Christ Child—a poignant Gothic motif symbolizing Mary's anticipated grief—and Saint John the Evangelist, with additional male figures bearing witness. Measuring just 6 5/8 x 4 1/16 inches, its intimate scale made it ideal for private devotion in medieval households or chapels. Crafted in the flourishing workshops of northern France during the High Gothic period, ...