Crucifixion Triptych Saint Francis Preaching
Crucifixion Triptych with a scene depicting Saint Francis Preaching. Western German School (1374). Tempera on panel.
Formerly known as the 'Estouteville Triptych', this is one of the few surviving fourteenth-century triptychs from Northern Europe. The main panel is a detail from a Crucifixion Triptych, created by an anonymous artist from the Western German School in 1374. Above scenes of Christ washing the Apostles’ feet, the Agony in the Garden and the Resurrection. The wings show further biblical stories, and the Death of the Virgin.
The scene is a tempera on panel work, characteristic of the late Gothic period, and it depicts Saint Francis of Assisi preaching, likely to the birds — a well-known theme in Franciscan iconography.
Saint Francis stands at the right, dressed in the humble brown habit of the Franciscan order, tied with a simple knotted cord. His haloed head and slightly aged face denote his sanctity. He is shown in a dramatic pose, mid-gesture, perhaps delivering a sermon or blessing. His hands are raised gently, possibly referencing the famous moment when he preached to the birds, an act symbolizing his profound harmony with nature and divine creation.
To the left of the composition, a kneeling or bowing monk, possibly Brother Leo or another Franciscan friar, listens in devotion or awe. Above and around them, a dark blue background filled with golden stars creates a celestial atmosphere, reinforcing the mystical and sacred tone of the scene. A few black birds, rendered mid-flight, echo the theme of Francis’s sermon to animals, highlighting his connection with all living creatures.
The gold leaf used in the halos and stars is typical of Gothic religious art, creating a spiritual radiance that draws the viewer’s eye and emphasizes the holiness of the figures.
Art Historical Context: This work fits squarely within the Gothic tradition of religious art in medieval Germany. The flatness of the space, stylized figures, and symbolic use of color and gold all reflect the medieval focus on conveying spiritual meaning rather than naturalistic representation. Saint Francis was canonized less than a century before this piece was painted, and depictions of his life were immensely popular in Gothic religious art, especially in monastic and church settings.
This panel would have functioned as part of a triptych altarpiece, likely flanking a central image of the Crucifixion, with other scenes from the life of Christ or Francis on the wings.
The small scale of the individual scenes recalls manuscript illumination. The presence of three Franciscan saints, including Francis himself (shown preaching to the birds) suggests a connection with this monastic order.
This image is a public domain image, which means either that copyright has expired in the image or the copyright holder has waived their copyright. Franciscan Gallery charges for the access to high resolution copy of the image. Manually restoration was necessary in order to improve quality, without covering the original image.
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