panel, tempera, painting
portrait
medieval
panel
allegory
tempera
painting
sculpture
history-painting
international-gothic
virgin-mary
angel
christ
Dimensions: Central panel, overall 67 1/2 x 22 in. (171.5 x 55.9 cm); left panel, overall 67 3/4 x 20 1/8 in. (172.1 x 51.1 cm); right panel, overall 67 7/8 x 20 1/8 in. (172.4 x 51.1 cm)
Copyright: Public Domain
This large, anonymous, late medieval triptych, "The Trinity Adored by All Saints," invites reflection on the prevailing social hierarchies of its time. Made without attribution, the panels are a potent reminder of the communal nature of artistic production, particularly in religious contexts where individual ego was suppressed in favor of collective devotion. The work illustrates a celestial hierarchy, sharply contrasting the saved and the damned. Saints, popes, and martyrs are neatly ordered, reflecting the rigid social structures of medieval society and the Church's dominance. The emotional heart of the piece lies in its depiction of salvation and damnation; the figures teetering on the edge of hell remind us of the ever-present anxiety about morality and social conduct, particularly how one's earthly actions translated into one's eternal fate. It serves as both a reflection of, and an active participant in, the cultural and spiritual life of its time.
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