Triptych with the Virgin in the Garden of Paradise 1450

Stefan Lochner created this Triptych with the Virgin in the Garden of Paradise with oil on wood, which invites us into a meticulously detailed and spiritually charged space. The symmetrical composition, vibrant colors, and use of gold create a visually striking and harmonious experience. The Virgin Mary is centrally placed within a walled garden, evoking the symbolism of her purity and sanctuary, bathed in divine light, surrounded by angels, and flanked by saints on either side. Each figure is rendered with smooth lines and delicate features, enhancing their spiritual presence, with the linear perspective flattening the pictorial space. Lochner combines the earthly with the divine through the use of rich fabrics, architectural elements, and naturalistic details such as the garden's flora. The use of gold backgrounds, typical of the period, transcends mere decoration. It serves to elevate the scene into a realm of timelessness, filled with symbolic meaning that challenges the viewer to reflect on the relationship between earthly existence and the divine.