Crucifixion triptych (formerly known as the Estouteville Triptych) (panel previously attached to back of right wing, top) - Saints Andrew and Louis of Toulouse

Crucifixion triptych (formerly known as the Estouteville Triptych) (panel previously attached to back of right wing, top) - Saints Andrew and Louis of Toulouse by Germany (West) late 14th century

Germany (West) late 14th century, (circa) 1374

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About this artwork

This is the Crucifixion triptych (formerly known as the Estouteville Triptych) (panel previously attached to back of right wing, top) – Saints Andrew and Louis of Toulouse, painted in West Germany around 1374. The work is an oil on panel, a medium that was becoming increasingly popular in late medieval German workshops. The artist’s hand shows the transition from the rigid, symbolic forms of the early Gothic period toward a more naturalistic approach that would later define the early Renaissance.

In the central panel we see Christ nailed to the cross, his body rendered with careful attention to anatomy, yet still stylized with the elongated limbs typical of the period. The side panels, once part of the same triptych, focus on Saints Andrew and Louis of Toulouse. Andrew is identified by the diagonal cross he carried, while Louis, a French prince-abbot, is shown in a humble, pastoral setting. Both saints are depicted with serene faces, their expressions lending a quiet dignity to the otherwise dramatic scene.

The composition is balanced; the verticality of the crucifixion is countered by the horizontal arrangement of the saints, creating a visual harmony that invites contemplation. The colors are subdued, with deep reds and browns dominating the palette, which was typical of West German works of this era. The use of gold leaf highlights key areas, adding a subtle luminosity that catches the eye.

Overall, this triptych offers a compelling glimpse into late 14th‑century West German art, illustrating the period’s blend of spiritual symbolism and emerging naturalism.

See it in person

Crucifixion triptych (formerly known as the Estouteville Triptych) (panel previously attached to back of right wing, top) - Saints Andrew and Louis of Toulouse hangs in The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House, London. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.

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