Polyptiek met Bijbelse voorstellingen before 1881

This is a polychrome polyptych with biblical scenes, made by an anonymous artist, most likely during the 16th century. During this time, art was deeply intertwined with religious expression and served as a powerful tool for the church to convey its teachings. The polyptych, with its multiple panels depicting scenes from the Bible, would have been an important object within a church. The central panel depicts the Virgin Mary holding the Christ child, a common theme in Christian art that emphasizes motherhood, purity, and the divine made human. The surrounding panels tell other stories, possibly from the life of the Virgin, offering visual narratives that would have resonated with the religious beliefs of the time. The choice of gold and colors would have given the work a tonality, enhancing the spiritual and emotional impact on viewers. It is a potent reminder of the way art can embody both personal devotion and collective cultural values, reflecting the intersection of faith, community, and artistic expression.