Triptych of St. Claire

This altarpiece triptych, painted in tempera and oil, displays qualities of modelling and composition that are rarely found in Portuguese 15th century painting. It clearly shows the influence of contemporary Castilian painting together with Flemish characteristics, which, for example, can be seen in the treatment of the background perspective and the outlining of the buildings. The fixing of the panels and the choice of binder show knowledge of techniques practised in Italy at that time.The theme is structured round the idea of Christ the Redeemer through the Eucharist. On the central panel, St. Claire and the Miracle of the Monstrance, the resurrected Christ transubstantiated in the Host drives away the infidels.The predella depicts the key moment of the Eucharist: the Last Supper. The altarpiece belonged to the Monastery of Santa Clara in Coimbra.