Retable and Frontal of the Life of Christ and the Virgin Made for Pedro López de Ayala

Unknown Spanish Painter

Created:
Movement:
1396
Gothic art
key Notes:
Gothic Altarpiece, Narrative Panels
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Dimensions:
Retable: 257 × 669.9 cm (99 3/4 × 263 3/4 in.); Frontal: 108 × 291.2 cm (42 7/16 × 114 5/8 in.)
medium:
Tempera and gold on panel
Difficulty:
Expert
New game
story of the work:

We have not been able to find much information about this work, or we believe the information we sourced needed more review.

Retable and Frontal of the Life of Christ and the Virgin

The painting titled "Retable and Frontal of the Life of Christ and the Virgin Made for Pedro López de Ayala," created in 1396, is an exemplary work of Gothic art by an unknown Spanish painter. This piece, crafted using tempera and gold on panel, reflects the intricate religious iconography prevalent during the late 14th century in Spain. The use of gold leaf highlights the divine nature of the subjects, a common technique in ecclesiastical art of the period. Commissioned by Pedro López de Ayala, a prominent figure in Castilian politics, the work underscores the intersection of art and power in medieval Spain. Although the artist remains unidentified, the painting's detailed execution suggests a high level of skill and familiarity with contemporary Gothic styles. This artwork contributes significantly to our understanding of religious and cultural expressions in medieval Iberia.

Description of the work:

The "Retable and Frontal of the Life of Christ and the Virgin Made for Pedro López de Ayala," created in 1396 by an unknown Spanish painter, is a Gothic-style artwork that employs tempera and gold on panel to depict religious narratives central to Christian iconography. This piece, notable for its intricate detailing and use of precious materials, reflects the devotional and artistic practices of late medieval Spain.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Art Institute of Chicago

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Retable and Frontal of the Life of Christ and the Virgin Made for Pedro López de Ayala