Bartolomeo Montagna (1449-50-1523) – The Risen Christ with Mary Magdalene and St. John the Baptist and Saint Jerome Part 1

The triptych presents a complex devotional scene structured around a central figure and flanked by two distinct panels. The composition is divided into three vertical sections, each framed by architectural elements that suggest a classical setting.
On the left panel, a male figure stands in a pose of restrained dynamism. He is partially draped in a vibrant red cloth, revealing portions of his body. A halo encircles his head, signifying sanctity. In his left hand, he holds an open book, while his right arm gestures towards the central scene. The background features a shallow niche with a draped fabric, creating depth and emphasizing the figures presence.
The central panel is dominated by a standing male figure, presumably the focal point of the work. He wears flowing robes in shades of yellow and gold, further highlighting his divine status. His right hand is raised in a gesture of blessing or revelation, while his left points downwards towards a prostrate female figure at his feet. This woman, identifiable as Mary Magdalene by her long hair and modest attire, appears to be overwhelmed with emotion – perhaps reverence, repentance, or awe. Behind them, a landscape unfolds, featuring a doorway receding into the distance and a tree whose branches reach upwards. A faint halo also surrounds this central figure’s head.
The right panel depicts an elderly male figure in monastic robes, holding an open book and accompanied by a small animal – likely a lion – at his feet. He too is encircled by a halo. The architectural backdrop mirrors that of the left panel, creating visual symmetry. A glimpse of a distant landscape can be seen through an arched opening behind him.
The color palette is rich and warm, with reds, yellows, and browns predominating. Light falls dramatically on the figures, accentuating their forms and adding to the overall sense of solemnity. The artist employs a relatively shallow depth of field, which concentrates attention on the central narrative while maintaining a degree of spatial coherence.
Subtly, the work explores themes of divine revelation, repentance, and scholarly contemplation. The open books held by each male figure suggest the importance of scripture and learning within the religious context. The gesture of the central figure towards Mary Magdalene implies an act of grace or forgiveness. The inclusion of the lion with the elderly figure may symbolize strength, wisdom, or a connection to prophetic traditions. Overall, the triptych conveys a sense of profound spiritual significance through its carefully orchestrated composition, symbolic details, and evocative use of color and light.