Master of the Story of Griselda – The Story of Griselda, Part II – Exile Part 5 National Gallery UK

The composition presents a scene unfolding beneath a monumental architectural structure – a series of arches supported by ornate columns. The setting appears to be a formal gateway or portico, suggesting a transition point between spaces and perhaps, symbolically, between states of being. A landscape stretches beyond the archway, hinting at an expansive world that lies outside the immediate drama.
Here we see a group of figures engaged in what seems to be a solemn farewell. The central figure, clad in a simple white garment, is clearly the focus of attention. Her posture conveys resignation and quiet dignity; she appears to accept her fate with stoicism. Around her are other individuals – some appear to be attendants or guards, others seem to be onlookers, their expressions ranging from sorrowful concern to detached observation. The man standing closest to the woman in white is dressed in vibrant red and white attire, his stance suggesting a mixture of authority and discomfort.
Several dogs populate the scene, adding an element of domesticity and perhaps symbolizing fidelity or loyalty – or conversely, the loss of companionship. A small dog at the feet of the central figure seems particularly poignant, emphasizing her isolation. The presence of these animals also contributes to the overall sense of melancholy and displacement.
The color palette is restrained, dominated by muted earth tones punctuated by flashes of red and gold. This limited range reinforces the somber mood and directs attention towards the key figures and their emotional states. The architectural structure itself provides a visual framework for the narrative, its grandeur contrasting with the vulnerability of the woman being exiled.
Subtly, the painting explores themes of power, obedience, and female virtue. The architecture suggests an established order – a system that dictates the actions of those within it. The central figure’s passive acceptance of her exile raises questions about agency and submission in a hierarchical society. The landscape beyond the archway hints at the possibility of renewal or redemption, but also underscores the uncertainty of the future. The scene is not merely a depiction of an event; its a meditation on the complexities of human relationships and the burdens imposed by societal structures.