Triptych Italy/Tuscany 15th century Oil on walnut panel Wonderful 19th century wooden frame, carved and guilded Height 38 cm, width 38cm, depth 5 cm The triptych with a size of 22-30 cm consist of three closely 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 triptyches, for example, serve to be taken along on journeys, as practically 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 reflection of the Madonna. On the wings, secondary figures are depicted in front of a mountain landscape, here presumably locally important saint's who flank the inner panel and are turned towards the Madonna by their poster and gestures. Neither has clearly identifiable attributes, but both appear to be wearing monk-like clothing: the male figure on the left carriers a shepher's crook while the figure on a 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 especially stretching and majestic. The Madonna is showing 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 gesure. This emphasises the humanity of Jesus. Both are depicted nimbed; Mary wears a bright blue cloak over a red dress, these symbolic colors 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 search 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 references retardingly to travel altars in similar form from Italy around 1400.