Saint Giles with Christ Triumphant over Satan and the Mission of the Apostles
The Met
Artist: Miguel Alcañiz (or Miquel Alcanyís)(Spanish, Valencian, active by 1408–died after 1447)
Date: ca. 1408
Department: European Paintings
Classification: Paintings
Medium: Tempera on wood, gold ground
Dimensions: Overall 59 5/8 x 39 1/2 in. (151.4 x 100.3 cm); upper left panel, painted surface 24 1/8 x 16 7/8 in. (61.3 x 42.9 cm); lower left panel, painted surface 24 5/8 x 16 7/8 in. (62.5 x 42.9 cm); right panel, painted surface 46 1/8 x 16 7/8 in. (117.2 x 42.9 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of J. Bruyn Andrews, 1876
Visual Descriptions
AI GeneratedVisual Summary
Brief Description
A multi-panel altarpiece with a central saint, upper heavenly figures, lower demons, and earthly scenes
Detailed Description
A vertical, rectangular altarpiece is composed of four panels framed in gold. The right panel is a single, tall vertical panel featuring a standing figure, appearing male, dressed in a dark brown or black long robe. He has a short beard and a halo. He holds a red book in his left hand and a tall staff with an ornate top in his right hand. At his feet, a small, dark brown, four-legged animal lies on its back. The background is gold, and the top of this panel has an elaborate gold archway with gothic tracery. The left side of the altarpiece is divided into two square panels, one above the other. Both are also framed in gold with gothic arches at the top. The upper left panel depicts a crowded scene with many figures. In the upper part, numerous figures with halos and wings, dressed in various colored robes (pink, brown, white), are arranged on clouds against a dark blue sky. Some hold objects like a cross or a banner with a red cross on a white field. Below them, several dark, horned, winged, and animalistic figures, appearing demonic, are depicted on a dark, rocky landscape. The lower left panel shows a group of figures on a rocky landscape with dark, pointed hills in the background. On the left, a figure with a halo, wearing a dark robe and a pink garment, stands with an outstretched hand, facing a group of five other figures. These figures also have halos and are dressed in various robes (pink, brown, blue). Some hold staffs or books. Small white, round objects are scattered on the ground in the foreground. A dark, rocky landscape with a few dark green trees forms the background.
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