Artwork

Lamentation triptych: St. Margaret On reverse: Angel of the Annunciation

Lamentation triptych: St. Margaret On reverse: Angel of the Annunciation is an unspecified painting by Unknown. It is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections. The work is a painted triptych composed of a central panel flanked by two wings.

About this work

Overview

The work is a painted triptych composed of a central panel flanked by two wings. The main image presents a woman dressed in dark attire, holding a small object, set against a subdued landscape of trees, gentle hills, and a distant structure. Her expression is calm, eyes lowered, contributing to a contemplative atmosphere.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure, likely a saint or biblical personage, is depicted in a moment of quiet reflection, suggested by her downward gaze and the modest object she clutches. The surrounding scenery, rendered in muted earth tones, reinforces a sense of introspection and spiritual solemnity.

Technique & Style

The artist employs chiaroscuro to model forms, creating depth through contrasts of light and shadow. A restrained palette of browns and greens dominates the background, while the figure’s dark clothing isolates her against the landscape, enhancing the three‑dimensional effect.

History & Provenance

The triptych is catalogued under the title “Lamentation triptych: St. Margaret,” with the reverse side featuring an Angel of the Annunciation. It is part of the collection of the Alte Pinakothek, a major museum in Munich, where it is displayed among other works of similar period.