Artwork
Interior view of wings of the triptych
Interior view of wings of the triptych is a paint painting by the Byzantine icon painting artist Taddeo Gaddi. It dates from 1334 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1334 by Florentine painter and architect Taddeo Gaddi, this work consists of two gold‑framed, arched panels that form the wings of a larger triptych.
Created in 1334 by Florentine painter and architect Taddeo Gaddi, this work consists of two gold‑framed, arched panels that form the wings of a larger triptych. Each wing is divided into three horizontal registers, combining narrative scenes with decorative lower zones. The panels are part of the Gemäldegalerie’s collection in Berlin and exemplify the religious subject matter typical of early 14th‑century Italian art.
Subject & Meaning
The upper registers portray groups of figures gathered around tables, suggesting communal or liturgical gatherings. The central registers present two pivotal Christian episodes: the Nativity, with a manger scene, and the Crucifixion, each occupying a separate wing. The lowest registers fill the space with assorted people and animals, enriching the narrative context and reflecting the medieval practice of integrating sacred stories with everyday life.
Technique & Style
Executed in tempera on panel, the painting displays the influence of Byzantine iconography through its gold framing and stylized figures, while also revealing Gaddi’s emerging use of chiaroscuro to model forms. The composition relies on intricate patterns and richly colored robes, and the ornamental backgrounds employ textured detailing that balances flat decorative surfaces with a nascent sense of spatial depth.
History & Provenance
Taddeo Gaddi, a leading disciple of Giotto, produced the work during a period when he was expanding his reputation beyond frescoes to panel painting and architectural projects. After remaining in Italy for several centuries, the panels entered the German museum sector and were acquired by the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin, where they have been displayed as part of the museum’s medieval Italian holdings.
Artist & collection
Artist
Taddeo Gaddi (c. 1290 – 1366) was a medieval Italian painter and architect. He was born in Florence. He was the son of the painter Gaddo di Zanobi, called Gaddo Gaddi. He was a member of Giotto's workshop from 1313…
The Crucifixion of Christ
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Triptych: the Nativity, the Coronation of the Virgin, and the Crucifixion
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