The Mass of Saint Gregory, The Virgin Gives the Girdle to Saint Thomas, Saint Jerome Penitent Antonio del Massaro da Viterbo (c.1450-1516)

The triptych presents a complex narrative divided into three distinct scenes, unified by a central devotional figure. The left panel depicts what appears to be a liturgical ceremony taking place within an architectural setting reminiscent of a Renaissance chapel. A cleric, richly adorned in vestments, presides over the scene, his hands raised in benediction. Behind him, framed by an archway, a small figure is suspended, seemingly held aloft by rays of light – likely representing Christ’s ascension or a similar divine manifestation. To the left of this central figure stands a young boy, possibly an altar server, observing the proceedings with a look of reverence. The inscription above the arch suggests a date or dedication related to the event being portrayed.

The central panel is dominated by a seated female figure, draped in dark blue robes and crowned, who holds her hands in prayer. Two angelic figures flank her on either side, their poses mirroring her posture of devotion. The background landscape, rendered with meticulous detail, features rolling hills and distant structures, creating a sense of depth and serenity. Below the central figure kneels another individual, also engaged in prayer, his head bowed in humility. This arrangement establishes a hierarchical structure, placing the crowned woman as the focal point of spiritual intercession.

The right panel portrays a solitary figure kneeling before a rocky outcrop. He is clad in simple garments and appears to be undergoing a period of penitence or contemplation. A skull lies on the ground near him, a traditional memento mori symbolizing mortality and the transience of earthly life. Beside him sits a lion, restrained by a rope – an allusion to Saint Jerome’s legendary encounter with a wild beast that he tamed through prayer. The landscape here is more rugged than in the central panel, reflecting the figures internal struggle and spiritual journey.

Subtleties within the composition suggest layers of meaning beyond the immediately apparent narrative. The architectural elements in the left panel create a sense of institutional authority and established tradition. The central panel’s emphasis on prayer and devotion underscores themes of intercession and divine grace. Finally, the right panels depiction of penance and self-reflection invites contemplation on mortality and spiritual redemption. The overall effect is one of profound religious significance, inviting viewers to consider their own relationship with faith and salvation. The careful arrangement of figures and symbolic objects contributes to a sense of order and harmony, characteristic of Renaissance devotional art.