Attributed to the early fourteenth century Florentine painter, Bernardo Daddi, this triptych is acknowledged as one of his finest. Although conventionally called a triptych, it is more accurately described as a tabernacle, a triptych with hinged wings that act as shutters over the central section when closed together. The shutters are arched and, when closed, fit under a projecting headpiece.
The wings are painted on the exterior and interior with narratives from the life of Christ. This unusual development (since more usually there is a decorative pattern or figures of saints on the outside of the wings) increases the area available for the narrative and provides a focus of interest when the shutters are closed. Moreover, the magnificence of the tabernacle when closed is an indication of the splendour within.
The design of the triptych helps to increase the intensity of the religious experience as the shutters are opened to reveal the Virgin and Child enthroned in majesty. Its remarkable state of preservation enables the modern day viewer to marvel at the skills and craftsmanship involved in its production. The gilding and punching contribute to its exquisite surface decoration, the use of expensive pigments adds to the richness and intensity of the colour, and the delicacy of the brushwork gives expression to the faces.
