The Cloisters, New York City In the left panel the donors stand outside Mary's chamber. The altarpiece I am referring to is an Annunciation triptych known as the Mérode Altarpiece. In this post, we will be exploring the backstory and context of the work. 1427–32 On view at The Met Cloisters. While the painting is clearly that of Annunciation, there are other meanings that could be derived from the three-part work of Flemish artist Robert Campin. In comparison to last week’s huge Ivanov canvas, this triptych is small: the Annunciation panel is about 25 x 25 inches. (64.5 x 27.3 cm.) Central panel: 25¼ x 24⅞ in. The Merode Altarpiece is one of those paintings that hold many symbolism that relate to Catholicism. In addition, they saw Rogier van der Weyden's Louvre Annunciation, Gerard David's Judgment of Cambyses and altarpiece of the Baptism of Christ, and Hugo van der Goes's Death of the Virgin. The Mérode Altarpiece abounds in theological symbolism. The Merode Altarpiece is a beautiful, richly symbolic Flemish triptych probably painted by Robert Campin and assistants in the 1420s on a commission from the Engelbrecht family. Overall, the composition reveals the complexity and richness of the optical resources used by the artist. Workshop of Robert Campin, Annunciation Triptych (Merode Altarpiece) by Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker Workshop of Robert Campin, Annunciation Triptych (Merode Altarpiece ), 1425-28, tempera and oil on panel (Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York) ); each wing 25⅜ x 10¾ in. The work, which was completed sometime between 1425 and 1428, is now part of the Metropolitan Museum collection in New York and the exquisite and beautiful work is attributed to the early Netherlandish painter, Robert Campin and his workshop assistants. (64.1 x 63.2 cm. The painting is said to symbolize salvation and the triumph of good over evil. The triptych consists of a large centre panel illustrating the Annunciation, flanked by two side panels showing Saint Ansanus on the left, and Saint Margaret (or Saint Maxima) on the right, plus four tondoes in the upper cusps: Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Isaiah and Daniel. Robert Campin and Assistant, The Annunciation Triptych. Great Works, In Focus. Each wing: 25 3/8 x 10 3/4 in. Central panel: 25 1/4 x 24 7/8 in. Annunciation Triptych (Merode Altarpiece), ca. The Merode Altarpiece,by Robert Campin, is an annunciation triptych full of symbolic meaning, that was intended to lead the faithful into deep contemplation of the mysteries of Christ, who left heaven to become a man. David Amott and Dr. Martha Peacock, Art History. This Annunciation has been compared to the Dresden Triptych in which Van Eyck depicted the same subject on the outside wings in grisaille, with the two figures similarly separated. The Northern Renaissance artist who best understood iconography’s potential in painting was Jan van Eyck (1390-1441), whose Annunciation (1434) is a masterpiece of Netherlandish art and one of the most important paintings of the Northern Renaissance. Oil on oak. Today's painting of the week is the Merode Altarpiece by Robert Campin and his workshop, c. 1427-32. The name “Engelbrecht” means “brought by an angel,” which would have naturally suggested the annunciation … Left: Virgin and Child; Right: Triptych of the Mystic Marriage of St. Catherine. By the Workshop of Robert Campin. Annunciation Triptych (Merode Altarpiece) 1427–32 CE. This work is a triptych (three-panel painting) depicting the Annunciation, Saint Joseph, and the altarpiece's two donors. Made in Tournai, South Netherlands. Perspective . Integrated into this work is symbolism that refers to the Trinity, the Old and New … Form: Overall (open): 25 3/8 x 46 3/8 in. South Netherlandish, circa 1425 Oil on wood. 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