UNKNOWN MASTER, German
(active 1410-1440 in Cologne)

Triptych (detail)

1410-40
Tempera on oak, 85,3 x 95 cm
Wallraf-Richartz-Museum, Cologne

The depiction of the extended Holy Family ('Holy Kinship') on the central panel of the triptych introduces one of the most popular new themes for paintings at the beginning of the 15th century. All Christ's relatives are gathered together, following a description in the Golden Legend of 1263-73 by Jacopo da Voragine.