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Altarpiece of Saints Michael and Anthony Abbot

Martín de Soria (Spanish (Aragonese), active about 1450–1487)

Medium/Technique Tempera on panel with parchment ground
Dimensions Overall: 256.5 x 185.5cm (101 x 73 1/16in.)
Central panel: 200.5 x 80cm (78 15/16 x 31 1/2in.)
Left panel: 166 x 53 cm (65 3/8 x 20 7/8in.)
Right panel: 166.5 x 53cm (65 9/16 x 20 7/8in.)
Predella: 40.5 x 34.5cm (15 15/16 x 13 9/16in.)
Credit Line Herbert James Pratt Fund
Accession Number42.42
OUT ON LOAN
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsPaintings
This type of elaborately carved and painted altarpiece, called a retable, is found throughout Spain. While Martín painted much larger examples, incorporating many more tiers of panels, this is typical of Aragonese retables in its format and subject matter. The scenes from saints' lives and the Passion, the events leading up to and following the death of Christ on the cross, were often selected by the patron of the altarpiece, as were the size and elements of the frame. This altarpiece is dedicated to Saints Michael and Anthony Abbot, an archangel who conquered evil and a monk who overcame temptation.

ProvenanceMadrazo collection, Madrid [see note 1]. Karl Kuffner de Diószegh (b. 1847 - d. 1924), Diószegh, Hungary (Sládkovicovo, present-day Slovakia); by descent within the family to Raoul Kuffner (b. 1886 - d.1961), Diószegh and New York; about 1941, probably sold by Kuffner to Paul Drey, New York; 1942, sold by Drey to the MFA for $5750. (Accession Date: February 12, 1942)

NOTES:
[1] The Madrazo family's collection included some of the most important artists in 19th century Spain.