Two Movable Wings of An Altarpiece
by DAVID, Gerard, Oil on oak panel, 86 x 28 cm (each wing)
The two panels representing Christ Carrying the Cross, with the Crucifixion (left) and The Resurrection, with the Pilgrims of Emmaus (right) formed the movable wings of an altarpiece. When opened, on certain feast days, the panels would have been displayed, flanking a central image, perhaps the Lamentation. The reverses of the two Passion scenes, displayed when the wings were closed, show the Virgin Annunciate and the Archangel Gabriel, painted in grisaille to emulate sculpture.
Characteristic of David’s mature style are the deep, translucent colours and the sensitive integration of figures and space in the Passion scenes.