The Life of Christ and the Virgin, ca. 1580

The double triptych by Frans Francken I depicts the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary in 24 separate scenes. The middle section, which probably depicted Calvary, has been lost.The use of the triptych with a double set of panels was not uncommon in the sixteenth century. Frans Francken I came from a large family of painters in Antwerp. Together with his brother Ambrosius he became well known for his altarpieces. His style of painting with its artificial poses and extravagant drapery is linked to mannerism, a movement which dominated towards the end of the sixteenth century. The double triptych from the museum in Ghent is the earliest known work by the artist. He was commissioned to paint the impressive series of panels by the Recollects, a strict order of Franciscan monks in Ghent. The monastery was closed down at the end of the eighteenth century and the contents sold. The disappearance of the central panel probably dates back to this time. The present structure shows the altarpiece in its first opened state. As the centre panel is missing, the reverse side of the inner panels, depicting scenes of the Passion and the Resurrection, can now be seen at the back.