Florentine triptych icon, gilded wood, Madonna and Virgin, Fra Angelico, 19th century
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Travel icon - Florentine neo-Gothic triptych in finely openwork gilded wood, with in its center a painting on a wooden panel representing the Virgin and Child: "The Virgin with the Star" (or Madonna della Stella) after the work of Fra Angelico (circa 1433-1434), from the 19th century.
The Virgin Mary is depicted standing, wrapped in a large midnight blue cloak, delicately holding the Infant Jesus against her. A small gold star (which gives its name to the original work) is discreetly painted above her forehead, symbolizing her title of Stella Maris (Star of the Sea).
This small traveling altar (or domestic tabernacle) has two openwork, pivoting doors. When closed, these doors reveal a network of polylobed geometric cutouts typical of the Gothic style. The upper frame takes the form of a pointed arch surmounted by decorative pinnacles and carved foliage motifs. The side supports are formed of small twisted columns.
This icon is in good overall condition and is of superb quality. Its intricate structure and the refinement of the painting make it a perfect example of the importance of devotional art of the period.
Note: some damage and missing wood and gilding on the Gothic structure (see red arrows), some scratches and wear from time on the paint, see photos for details.