Pere Espalargues (Pere Espalargucs), Spanish (active Lérida), documented 1490 – Saints Mary Magdalene, Ermengold, and Catherine of Alexandria Philadelphia Museum of Art

The composition presents three figures arranged vertically against a backdrop that suggests both sky and architectural structure. The central figure, clad in elaborate ecclesiastical vestments including a tall mitre and flowing robes, dominates the scene through size and placement. He holds aloft a crozier, its gilded tip catching the light. Flanking him are two female figures, each framed by a halo indicating their sanctity.
The woman on the left wears a vibrant red garment that contrasts sharply with the muted tones of the other figures. She carries an object resembling a golden vessel or lamp, held close to her chest. The figure on the right is dressed in a more subdued green and brown ensemble; she holds a large wooden wheel, its significance likely referencing her martyrdom.
The background is divided into two distinct zones. Above the figures, a dark blue expanse evokes the heavens, while below, a grey stone wall provides a sense of enclosure or setting. A small inscription at the bottom identifies the individuals as Sin Magdalena, Ermengild, and Catherine.
A notable characteristic of this work is its stylized representation. The faces are rendered with elongated features and solemn expressions, typical of late medieval devotional art. Theres a lack of naturalistic detail; instead, emphasis is placed on conveying spiritual significance through symbolic attributes and formal arrangement.
The painting’s subtexts likely revolve around themes of faith, sacrifice, and divine authority. The central figure’s position and regalia suggest his role as an intermediary between the earthly and celestial realms. The female saints embody different aspects of Christian virtue – repentance (Magdalene), obedience (Ermengild), and intellectual fortitude (Catherine). Their presence underscores the importance of these virtues for believers, while their instruments of martyrdom serve as reminders of the cost of faith. The overall effect is one of solemn piety and reverence, intended to inspire contemplation and devotion in the viewer.