The Madonna and Child Enthroned (centre); Saint John the Baptist, with the Angel of the Annunciation (left); Saint Mary Magdalene, with the Madonna Annunciate (right)
Tempera on wood
Venice or Rimini, late 14th century
27.2 x 40 cm
The Virgin Mary, enthroned with the infant Christ, appears against a finely decorated gold ground.
They are flanked to the left by Saint John the Baptist with a scroll proclaiming Behold the Lamb of God. To the right is Mary Magdalene shown covered by long hair in her role as a penitent. According to legend she discarded her worldly goods as a desert hermit, but her modesty was preserved. Above, the Virgin, to the right and the angel Gabriel, to the left, form an Annunciation scene. The panels formed a portable triptych for private devotional use.
Purchased 1960 (No.60.5)