Two Wings of a Triptych with Portraits of the Donors

My name is Feely T. Heart, and I will be your guide today through one of our paintings: Two Wings of a Triptych with Portraits of the Donors. This fascinating work, painted in 1467, offers us a glimpse into the past and the traditions of portraiture during the late 15th century. nn The painting is what we call a diptych – essentially two panels designed to be hinged together. Each panel portrays the individuals who commissioned this very artwork. On the left, we see two women, likely a mother and daughter, adorned in the fashion of their time – white headdresses and flowing dark robes. The younger woman holds a book, perhaps hinting at her piety or education. The right panel presents us with two men, again, possibly father and son. The elder, dressed in black and wearing a sallet, holds a flagpole, suggesting a position of authority. Kneeling before him, the younger man is engrossed in a book, mirroring the younger woman on the opposite panel. nn Notice how the artist has framed both groups. They are positioned within these beautifully rendered landscapes, complete with a distant castle. The colors, while rich in history, are muted, and the light seems to wash over the scene, creating a sense of peace and serenity. This style was quite typical of the late Gothic period, where realism was blended with religious symbolism. nn Sadly, the central panel of this triptych is lost to time. However, these two remaining panels offer us a precious understanding of not just the artistry of 1467 but also the social dynamics and fashions of the time. The Morgan Library & Museum is honored to house this piece of art history, allowing us to connect with the past in such a tangible way.