The Life of Christ
The Met
Artist: Franceschino Zavattari(Italian, Milan, active 1414–53)
Department: European Paintings
Classification: Paintings
Medium: Tempera on wood, gold ground
Dimensions: Central panel, overall, with engaged frame, 24 1/8 x 16 3/4 in. (61.3 x 42.5 cm), painted surface 20 5/8 x 14 3/4 in. (52.4 x 37.5 cm); left wing, overall, with engaged frame, 23 3/8 x 8 1/4 in. (59.4 x 21 cm), painted surface 21 1/2 x 6 1/2 in. (54.6 x 16.5 cm); right wing, overall, with engaged frame, 23 3/8 x 8 1/4 in. (59.4 x 21 cm), painted surface 21 1/2 x 6 1/4 in. (54.6 x 15.9 cm)
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1909
Visual Descriptions
AI GeneratedVisual Summary
Brief Description
A gold triptych with multiple panels showing many small figures in various narrative scenes
Detailed Description
This artwork is a triptych composed of three vertical panels, with the central panel being wider than the two side panels. Each panel is divided into multiple smaller rectangular scenes, all set against a textured gold background. Many figures are depicted with golden halos. The left panel, from top to bottom, shows: a woman riding a donkey led by a man; a group of figures, including a child, gathered indoors; several figures seated around a table; and a group of figures in a landscape, with one figure gesturing towards others. The central panel, arranged in multiple rows, displays: a standing male figure holding a scroll; three bearded figures seated at a table with red cups; a winged figure standing on a dark formation; two figures whipping a male figure tied to a column; a central scene with a male figure on a cross, flanked by two women and a kneeling child; a male figure carrying a large wooden cross; a woman cradling an unmoving male figure on the ground; and an unmoving male figure in a stone coffin-like structure with outstretched arms. The right panel, from top to bottom, depicts: a winged figure approaching a seated woman; figures gathered around a small bed or trough with a winged figure above; figures gathered around an infant in a small bed or trough; and several figures gathered around an open tomb-like structure. The overall palette includes deep reds, blues, greens, and browns.
Generated by gemini-2.5-flash
