The Pérussis Altarpiece
The Met
Artist: Nicolas Froment
Date: 1480
Department: European Paintings
Classification: Paintings
Medium: Oil and gold on wood
Dimensions: Three panels, each 54 1/2 x 23 in. (138.4 x 58.4 cm)
Credit Line: Purchase, Mary Wetmore Shively Bequest, in memory of her husband, Henry L. Shively, M.D., 1954
Visual Descriptions
AI GeneratedVisual Summary
Brief Description
A three-panel painting depicting a central crucifixion scene flanked by standing and kneeling figures
Detailed Description
The artwork is a triptych composed of three vertical panels. The upper half of each panel features a gold background, while the lower half shows a landscape. The central panel displays a large brown wooden cross extending from bottom to top. Two red-robed winged figures hover on either side of the cross, positioned at its horizontal beam. At the base of the cross, a human skull and several bones rest on rocky ground. Below the cross, a green landscape with a winding river, a town with buildings, and distant blue mountains is visible. The left panel depicts a standing male figure with long brown hair and a beard, wearing a red cloak over a brown garment. He holds a tall staff topped with a small cross in his right hand. Below him, a bald man with a light complexion kneels in profile, facing right, with his hands clasped in prayer. He wears a green tunic and red hose. To the far left, a small, nude winged figure stands on a dark helmet, holding a banner with the text "DE SVPER DATVM EST." Below the helmet is a blue shield with three yellow pear-shaped objects. The right panel shows a standing male figure wearing a long, brown, hooded garment. He holds a green staff with a small cross in his left hand. Below him, a man with short dark hair kneels in profile, facing left, with his hands clasped in prayer. He wears a blue tunic, red hose, and has a dagger tucked into his belt. To the far right, a small, nude winged figure stands on a dark helmet, holding a banner with the text "VERITAS EST DE." Below the helmet is a blue shield with three yellow pear-shaped objects, mirroring the left panel.
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