Flemish School. 16th century. Lot n° 27

Flemish School. 16th century. Large triptych. Oil on panel. Open measurements: 113 x 173 cm. Closed measurements: 113 x 98 cm. Magnificent triptych with a central Deesis, Christ on the cross is flanked by Mary, his mother, and Saint John the beloved disciple. On each of the two side panels; to the left, above Mary, is Charity, representing selfless dedication to others (and that is precisely what the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary embodies: an authentic love, translated into a gift of oneself to God and to others). To the right, above Saint John, is an angel, a symbol of spiritual ascension, which keeps him elevated on high (his gospel is the so-called "spiritual gospel", the deepest, most symbolic, contemplative and theological of the four and, in that sense, the one that rises above the others). Two "lover" saints embrace this central window, on the left is Saint Augustine, who said: falling in love with God is the greatest romance; look for him, the greatest adventure; finding it, the greatest human achievement." To the right, and also in loving reverence, is Saint Mary Magdalene, the woman who, after Mary, the Mother of Jesus, loved Him madly, "loved him very much", and for this reason "she was much forgiven". The exterior of the triptych tells us about its owner, a Carmelite. Two Carmelite shields, the left one topped with a mitre, bearing major orders, and the right being what it was before receiving those orders, a plain Carmelite shield. A phylactery that surrounds both reads "NEMINI NOCENS, DECOR CARMELI", the beauty of Carmel is not harmful to anyone. And the Spirit of peace sustains that order. The three panels are surrounded by phylacteries with Latin mottos, which translated read, in the centre of the Deesis, and with the humility of being at the feet, a prayer: "Saviour of the world, this family of yours will serve you" (a clear reference to the Carmelite family). Words from the moment of the crucifixion surround the central frame: "He said to His mother, behold your Son", "and He said to the disciple, behold your mother". And crowning it all, his words to the Father, "Father into your hands I commend my Spirit." In the panel on the left, there is a clear allusion to the moment of Christ's death along with the thieves: "I also tell you that today you will be with me in paradise", and "Father, forgive them because they do not know what they do". Below St. Augustine: "the heart of the world is in my flesh." On the panel of Mary Magdalene: "around the ninth hour, Jesus cried out with a powerful voice: Eloí Eloí Lama Sabactani, which means: My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?, and having said this, he expired". Under the myrrh-bearer is a prayer: "the love of Jesus sweetens me".