Polyptych from Grudziądz/Graudenz

This polyptych, commissioned for the chapel of the Teutonic Knights’ castle in Grudziądz, is the oldest surviving large altarpiece with articulated side panels in Poland. Today, we can only imagine the kind of impact this work of art produced during the ceremonial opening of its wings. With the altarpiece ordinarily closed, the faithful only saw the reverse of the side panels, which depict the Man of Sorrows and the Lady of Sorrows as well as three scenes of the Last Judgement. When the first set of side panels was opened, the Passion cycle became visible. The second pair of wings was only opened during the main holy days. These are adorned with paintings addressing the divine motherhood of Mary, who was the patron saint of the Teutonic Knights. These paintings lead the eye to the centre panel, which portrays Mary’s exaltation as the Mother of God. In the lower section, we see the Dormition of Mary. In accordance with apocryphal tradition, Christ takes her immaculate soul (depicted here in the figure of a young girl) into his arms. He is surrounded by the apostles, who have miraculously been summoned here from the various corners of the world where they spread the Gospel. The upper section shows the triumph of Mary as she is welcomed into heaven by the Son of God and crowned as the Queen of Heaven.

These paintings display early characteristics of the International Gothic style. We see a soft, flowing modelling of the delicate and graceful figures with attractive faces and refined poses. The robes they wear drape softly downwards and settle in decorative folds.