Two Wings of an Altar piece c. 1400

These two wings of an altar piece, painted by an anonymous artist, present us with a compelling study in contrasts. The panels share a visual field filled with a red background patterned with golden floral motifs. These repetitive, stylized forms contrast with the individuality of the figures and halos depicted. On the left, we observe two women in tones of green and brown, each holding a cylindrical object, while on the right, an angel and woman are cloaked in robes of white and blue. These figures are distinguished by linear precision and a fine attention to detail. The halos hover as flat golden discs, providing a symbolic backdrop that highlights the figures’ physical presence. The wings' formal structure invites a semiotic reading, where colours, objects, and arrangements function as signs within a coded visual language. This language would reflect a specific cultural and religious understanding. The panels invite viewers to consider how these visual components structure meaning and engage with the period's philosophical and artistic discourse.