Pietro Perugino – Three Panels from an Altarpiece, Certosa Part 6 National Gallery UK

The triptych presents a carefully constructed visual narrative across three distinct panels, unified by a shared compositional style and palette. The left panel depicts a figure in full armor, his stance resolute and forward-facing. He holds a spear and shield emblazoned with heraldic imagery, suggesting a military or protective role. A pair of large wings extend from his back, subtly integrated into the design of his armor. His gaze is directed towards the central panel, establishing a visual connection that guides the viewers eye.
The central panel showcases a seated figure holding an infant. The woman’s expression conveys serenity and gentle contemplation; her hands are clasped in prayer. She wears a rich blue robe, a color often associated with divinity and royalty. Behind her, two figures appear to float within a landscape of rolling hills and distant trees. These secondary figures, also winged, seem engaged in an act of praise or adoration, their gestures conveying reverence. The background is rendered with atmospheric perspective, creating a sense of depth and distance.
The right panel features another figure, this one dressed in flowing robes of red and blue. He too possesses wings, prominently displayed. In his hands, he holds what appears to be a scroll or document, suggesting a role as messenger or scribe. His posture is less rigid than the armored figure on the left; instead, theres an air of graceful movement and engagement with the viewer.
The overall composition suggests a hierarchical structure. The armored figure embodies strength and defense, the central figure represents maternal piety and divine grace, while the figure on the right conveys communication and revelation. The landscape backdrop, consistent across all three panels, provides a sense of unity and establishes a shared spiritual realm. The use of light is deliberate; it illuminates key figures and details, drawing attention to their significance within the narrative.
Subtly, theres an interplay between earthly power (represented by the armor) and divine grace (embodied in the central figure). The winged beings across all panels suggest a connection between the terrestrial and celestial realms, hinting at themes of protection, intercession, and divine communication. The arrangement implies a narrative sequence – a progression from defense to devotion to revelation – that would have likely been understood within its original devotional context.