Object Image

Retable with Scenes from the Life of Saint Andrew

In the central panel, Saint Andrew-apostle, brother of Saint Peter, and disciple of Saint John the Baptist-sits holding his attribute, a cross, which is more commonly represented in the form of an X. Above are the Virgin and Child surrounded by saints and angels. The flanking panels depict important events in Saint Andrew's life, while the scenes in the predella below are devoted to a number of more obscure episodes. The center panel represents Christ as the Man of Sorrows. The panel on the right has been lost. A rectangular section in the lower part of the main panel with the seated Saint Andrew was cut out, perhaps to hold a reliquary, and has been replaced with an inpainted panel.

This alta...

c. 1420-30
Tempera and gilding on panel
313.1 x 314.0 x 13.3 cm
06.1211.1-.9
Image and text © Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2023

Where you'll find this

The Met Cloisters
Permanent collection