Bernardo Daddi “Portable Triptych Altar” Poldi Pezzoli Museum in Milan in Italy

Daddi, Triptych Altar

Bernardo Daddi (1290-1348) “Portable Triptych Altar”

Painting - Tempera on Wood (45 x 50.6 cm) 1340-1348

The central panel shows the Virgin Mary on the throne, who carries Jesus on her left arm, and shows him a goldfinch resting on her right hand; this bird is one of the symbols of the passion of Christ.

The Infant Jesus holds a pomegranate and extends his other hand to the goldfinch.

The embroidered red fabric that covers the throne is decorated with pomegranates drawn with gold leaf; the pomegranate is another symbol of the passion of Christ.

Daddi, Triptych Altar The left part of the central panel is occupied by Saint Apollonia, showing her tooth in a pincer, Saint Lucia with her lamp, and Saint John the Baptist standing at the foot of the throne.

The right part of the same panel is occupied by Saint Reparata and by Saint Catherine of Alexandria, wearing her princess crown, with a saint deacon at the foot of the throne, probably Lawrence or Stephen.

At the tip of the left panel of the triptych, here is Gabriel, the angel announcing the birth of Christ placed above the Nativity in a stable.

In the right panel of the triptych and its tip, the Virgin receives the words of the announcing angel, while below, she laments with Saint John at the foot of the cross where the blood of the body of Christ is flowing freely.

Daddi, Triptych Altar