Triptych Italy/Tuscany 15th century Oil on walnut panel Wonderful 19th century wooden frame, carved and gilded Height 38 cm, width 38 cm, depth 5 cm The triptych with a size of 22-30 cm consists of three angularly shaped parts that are connected by hinges. When folded together, they form a rectangular shape with a triangular pediment, reflecting a characteristic shape of a travelling altar. The size of the triptych depends on its use; very small triptychs, for example, serve to be taken along on journeys, as presumably does this object. It is also given an elaborate framing with colourful dentil frieze and acanthus decoration on the top. This could indicate that the triptych was used and presented with a magnificent frame as a private home altar at a certain time.The division into three parts emphasises the central group of figures in the central panel - here the depiction of the Madonna. On the wings, secondary figures are depicted in front of a mountainous landscape, here presumably locally important saints who flank the inner panel and are turned towards the Madonna by their posture and gestures. Neither has clearly identifiable attributes, but both appear to be wearing monk-like clothing: the male figure on the left carries a shepherd's crook while the figure on the right wears a cross of paws on the front of his cowl, which could refer to the Order of the Knights Templar (1118-1312) or even the Teutonic Order. The three parts are connected by an arcade architecture with trefoil motifs; the twisted columns are particularly striking and majestic. The Madonna is shown enthroned on a bench in front of a gold background. Mary holds the child on her lap and embraces the foot of the naked child with her left hand in a tender gesture. This emphasises the humanity of Jesus. Both are depicted nimbed; Mary wears a bright blue cloak over a red dress, these symbolic colours referring to heaven as well as luxury and the Passion of Christ. Mary and her Son look in opposite directions and thus address the viewer from different perspectives. This travel altar is a very rare collector's item. A comparative example of such an object for private devotion is the travel altar of Duke Wilhelm V of Bavaria. The piece probably dates from the early Baroque period and refers retardingly to travel altars in similar form from Italy around 1400.