Artwork
Triptych with Calvary, Saint Anthony the Abbot and Saint Catherine
Triptych with Calvary, Saint Anthony the Abbot and Saint Catherine is an oil painting by Master of the Von Groote Adoration. It dates from 1520 and is held in the collection of the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya. Created in 1520, this oil triptych presents a central crucifixion scene flanked by two side panels.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1520, this oil triptych presents a central crucifixion scene flanked by two side panels. The left panel portrays a bearded figure in a black robe, identified as Saint Anthony the Abbot, while the right panel features a woman in red, holding a sword and shield, representing Saint Catherine of Alexandria. The work is part of the collection of the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya.
Subject & Meaning
The central composition focuses on the crucified Christ, surrounded by mourners, emphasizing the Passion narrative. Saint Anthony appears with his traditional attributes, underscoring his role as a desert hermit, whereas Saint Catherine is shown with her emblematic sword and shield, symbolising her martyrdom and learned virtues.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil on wood, the panels display the vivid coloration typical of early sixteenth‑century Antwerp painting. Contrasting dark tones in the left panel’s robe with the bright red of the right panel’s dress highlight the artist’s skill in rendering fabric and flesh, while intricate detailing brings depth to the central crucifixion scene.
History & Provenance
The work is attributed to the Master of the Von Groote Adoration, a notname for an anonymous Antwerp workshop active between 1500 and 1520. It reflects the Antwerp Mannerist tendency toward elaborate, decorative compositions, and today resides in the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya.
Artist & collection
Artist
Master of the Von Groote Adoration
The Master of the Von Groote Adoration is a notname given to an artist or a number of artists or various workshops active in Antwerp sometime between 1500 and 1520.
Kreuzigungstriptychon
The Crucifixion
Triptych with the Lamentation (centre panel), the donor with St Peter (inner left wing), the donor’s wife with St Paul (inner right wing) and the donors’ coats of arms (outer wings)
Triptych with the Lamentation of Christ
Legnica polyptych
The Crucifixion
The Lamentation over the Dead Christ
Memorial Triptych with Lamentation
The Crucifixion
Altarpiece of the Guild of the Joiners
The Crucifixion with Donors and Saints Peter and Margaret
Triptych of Calvary