Master of the St. Lucy Legend – Triptych of Madonna and Child with Angels; Donor and His Patron Saint Peter Martyr; and Saint Jerome and His Lion Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

The triptych presents a complex devotional scene structured around a central panel dominated by a seated Madonna and Child. The composition is divided into three distinct registers, each contributing to a layered narrative.
Here we see the central panel depicting the Virgin Mary enthroned, holding the Christ Child who reaches towards her with an expression of gentle engagement. Both figures are enveloped in rich, crimson robes that contrast sharply with Mary’s pale complexion and the childs delicate skin tones. Behind them rises a complex architectural structure, seemingly a niche or alcove, adorned with intricate foliage rendered with meticulous detail. The backdrop suggests both earthly enclosure and heavenly elevation.
Flanking the central figure are two angelic figures, each bearing an object – one holds a book, the other gestures outwards as if presenting something to the viewer. Their ethereal presence reinforces the sacred nature of the scene.
The left panel introduces a man in clerical garb accompanied by another individual dressed in darker clothing. The man’s posture and attire suggest a position of authority or piety, while the companion appears to be a servant or attendant. In the background, a distant cityscape is visible, hinting at the donors worldly status and connection to a specific location. This panel likely portrays a patron offering his devotion alongside his spiritual guide.
The right panel depicts a man in elaborate red robes standing beside a large lion. The man holds a book, suggesting scholarship or religious study, while the presence of the lion adds an element of symbolic power and potential danger tamed by faith. This figure is likely Saint Jerome, often associated with lions due to legends surrounding his interactions with them.
The artist’s use of light and shadow contributes significantly to the overall effect. The figures are illuminated against a dark background, drawing attention to their faces and gestures. The meticulous rendering of textures – from the folds of fabric to the fur of the lion – demonstrates a high level of technical skill.
Subtexts within the work revolve around themes of piety, patronage, and divine grace. The inclusion of the donor suggests a personal connection to the artwork, intended for private devotion or public display as a testament to his faith and status. The juxtaposition of earthly figures (the donor, Saint Jerome) with celestial beings (angels, Madonna and Child) creates a visual dialogue between the human realm and the divine. The lion’s presence on the right panel introduces an element of symbolic complexity – representing both spiritual strength and the potential for overcoming adversity through faith. Overall, the triptych functions as a devotional object intended to inspire contemplation and reinforce religious beliefs within its original context.