Bugnon altarpiece, left hand panel depicting the deliverance of a soul from purgatory Hans Fries (1470-1518)

The composition presents a dramatic scene unfolding within a restricted vertical space. A figure, presumably an angel, dominates the upper portion of the panel, actively engaged in liberating another individual from what appears to be a fiery torment. The angels posture is dynamic; one arm firmly grasps the freed soul’s head, while the other extends downwards, seemingly guiding or pulling them upwards. The drapery of the angel’s garments contributes significantly to this sense of movement and urgency, swirling around the figure in a cascade of pink and white folds.
Below, the individual being rescued is depicted with an expression of anguish and supplication. Their hands are raised in prayer, their body contorted as if still resisting or experiencing the lingering effects of the infernal environment. The flames licking at their lower body emphasize the intensity of the suffering from which they are escaping.
To the left, a stack of bread is visible, rendered with meticulous detail and contrasting sharply with the turbulent scene unfolding before it. This element introduces an intriguing layer of symbolism; bread often represents sustenance, both physical and spiritual, and its presence here might signify the hope for redemption or the provision of grace necessary for salvation.
The background is largely dark, punctuated by a vertical band of deep blue that serves to isolate the figures and intensify the drama. The limited palette – primarily pinks, whites, blues, and oranges – further enhances the emotional impact of the scene. The artist’s use of light is particularly noteworthy; it illuminates the angel and the rescued soul, drawing attention to their central roles in this narrative of deliverance while casting the fiery background into shadow.
The painting conveys a complex theological message concerning purgatory, divine intervention, and the possibility of redemption through grace. It suggests that even amidst suffering and torment, salvation is attainable through the agency of a higher power. The inclusion of the bread adds an element of hope and underscores the importance of spiritual nourishment in the journey towards eternal life.