Christ on the Cross between the Virgin and Saints Mary Magdalene and John the Evangelist; left panel: The Agony in the Garden and Saints Peter and Paul; right panel: Saints Catherine of Alexandria and Margaret of Antioch, Saints James Major and Benedict 1334

Editor: This is a painted triptych by Bernardo Daddi, titled *Christ on the Cross between the Virgin and Saints Mary Magdalene and John the Evangelist*. What a mouthful! It feels very formal and… well, sad. What do you see in this piece? Curator: It's interesting that you pick up on the formality. Daddi painted this during a time of great social upheaval. Consider the rising merchant class in Florence. Did their newfound wealth challenge existing religious structures? The triptych, with its portable format, allowed for personal devotion but also reflected a changing relationship with the church. Editor: So, you're saying this wasn't just about religion, but also about class and power? Curator: Exactly. How do you think the depiction of the saints relates to that? Editor: I hadn't thought of that! It makes me see the painting differently. Curator: Art always has more to say than meets the eye.