Extraordinary Greek triptych from the late 15th - first16th century

Extraordinary medieval triptych, painted in tempera on gold-ground panels, from Southern Greece, during the Venetian domination.

It is made up of a central tabernacle 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.

The central altarpiece depicts 15 scenes from the Bible and the Gospels, while the two side doors house the images of the most important Saints venerated by Eastern Christianity.

We prefer not to dwell on describing the countless scenes full of characters and details of extreme interest, leaving medieval art enthusiasts the pleasure of discovering the many unusual iconographies of this extraordinary historical moment. A rare example is the image of Saint Christopher Cynocephalus or "Dog's Head", of Greek-Byzantine origins, a depiction strictly prohibited by the Council of Trent in the 16th century. As well as Saints Constantine and his mother Helen on the sides of the Cross, he was the first great emperor of Rome of Christian faith whose famous edict liberalized the cult in 313 AD. Typically Medieval is also the depiction of the Holy Princes of Kiev, Boris and Gleb, sons of Vladimir I the Great, portrayed astride their steeds.

The work can be dated between the end of the fifteenth century and the middle of the sixteenth century and is in excellent condition of conservation relative to its era.

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

Measurements: closed cm. 38 x 68 open cm. 76 x 68